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
