We are pleased to share the following excerpt from material developed by the American Dental Society and the National Association of Dental Laboratories. Please contact Karen Sharpe at 630-355-7912 for further information.

What Can a Career in Dental Laboratory Technology Offer You?

• Flexible Career Options
• Team Member
• Creativity
• High Demand
• Personal Fulfillment
• Exciting New Technologies

What Does a Dental Laboratory Technician (DLT) do?

• Creates replacements for natural teeth
• Uses artistic talent and "high tech" methods in creating customized, hand-crafted
  dental restorations made from gold, chrome, alloys and ceramics
• Provides a valued health care service by working with a dentist to improve a patient's
  appearance and health

Where Do Dental Laboratory Technicians Work?

• Commercial dental laboratories
• Laboratory owners/operators
• Dental offices, dental schools, hospitals, military facilities
• Dental manufacturers and suppliers

How Much Training Is Needed?

• College level education is encouraged, but careers can begin without college level
  courses through on-the-job-training in dental laboratories or dental offices
• Some DLT's receive training through two year accredited programs
• There are approximately 24 ADA accredited dental technology education programs in
  community colleges, technical colleges and dental schools in U.S.

What Are Future Opportunities?

• Currently there is a great demand for dental laboratory technicians
• Owning your own business (laboratory owner) is often an option
• Dental laboratory technology offers excellent career opportunities for nontraditional
  students and those seeking a career change or reentry and individuals from culturally
  diverse backgrounds
• Earning potential depends on demonstrated skill, specific responsibilities, geographic
  location and other factors