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If you’re considering a career in dental technology, you might be wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at salary data for dental techs in the united states
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Dental Technician Job Description
Dental technicians work in laboratories under the supervision of dentists and other dental professionals. They use their knowledge of dentistry and precision instruments to create dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and implants. Often, they work with patients who have special needs, such as those who require custom-made dental devices. In addition to their technical skills, dental technicians must be able to communicate effectively with dentists and other members of the dental team.
What Does a Dental Technician Do?
A dental technician is a member of the dental team who, under the supervision and prescription of a dentist, designs, manufactures and repairs dental appliances.
The work dental technicians do makes an important contribution to the appearance, function and health of patients’ teeth and mouths. In most cases, a collaboration between the dentist and dental technician is required to create custom-made appliances that are both cosmetically pleasing and functional.
Dental technicians make detailed impressions of patients’ teeth using alginate or silicone-based impression materials. These models are then used to create custom-fitted appliances such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays and veneers. These appliances are made from a variety of materials including metals (such as gold or palladium), ceramic or acrylic resin.
In order to create these appliances, dental technicians use a variety of hand tools as well as computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems. They must have a good eye for detail and be able to work with their hands to create products that are both functional and cosmetically pleasing.
Dental Technician Work Environment
Dental technicians work in a variety of settings, including dental laboratories, hospitals, and offices of dentists and other health practitioners. Many dental technicians are self-employed.
Dental technicians spend much of their time working with their hands. They use tools such as lathes, grinders, molds, and other equipment to make dental appliances.
Most dental technicians work full time. Some work evenings or weekends to accommodate their patients’ schedules.
Dental Technician Salary
The average salary for a Dental Technician is $19.81 per hour in the United States.
Dental Technician Training and Education
A dental technician is a professional who works with dentists and other dental care providers to create and provide dental prosthetics and other dental devices. Dental technicians typically have an associate’s degree or certificate in dental technology. Some dental technicians may also have a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Dental Technician Training
Dental technicians prepare dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They work with patients to create these custom-made devices that fit over natural teeth or gums. Dental technicians must have an understanding of both teeth and dental materials in order to create these devices.
Dental technicians typically complete a 2-year associate degree program in dental technology. Some programs are offered at community colleges, while others are found at technical schools. Prior to enrolling in a dental technician program, students may need to complete prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry.
During their schooling, students take classes in methods of making dental prosthetics, principles of dental materials science, and other topics related to the field. Students also gain experience working with patients and creating dental prosthetics in laboratory settings. After completing an accredited program, students are eligible to take state licensure exams.
Dental Technician Education
Dental technicians can break into the field with a high school diploma but most complete postsecondary training. Most programs take 1-2 years to complete and lead to a certificate or associate degree. Some dental technician programs are available online, but most require some hands-on experience in a dental laboratory.
The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology offers voluntary certification for dental technicians. To be eligible for certification, candidates must have completed at least 2 years of work experience in the field or have graduated from an accredited dental technician program. Candidates must also pass a written exam.
Dental technicians typically need to complete continuing education courses to keep up with changes in technology and techniques. They may also need to recertify every 5 years to maintain their credential.
Dental Technician Certification
If you want to become a dental technician, then you need to get certification from an accredited dental technician program. The dental technician salary can vary depending on experience and location, but the average salary is around $33,000 per year.
Dental Technician Certification
There are a few different ways that you can become a certified dental technician. The most common way is to complete an accredited dental technician program at a community college or technical school. These programs typically take two years to complete and result in an Associate’s degree.
After completing a dental technician program, you must then pass the Dental Technician National Board (DTNB) examination to become certified. Once you are certified, you must renew your certification every four years by completing continuing education courses and passing a recertification exam.
You can also become certified through on-the-job training or military experience. If you have at least three years of experience working as a dental technician, you may be eligible to take the DTNB examination without completing an accredited program.
If you have served in the military as a dental technician, you may also be eligible to take the DTNB examination. To be eligible, you must have completed an accredited dental laboratory technology program or have two years of full-time work experience as a military dental technician.
Once you are certified, you will need to renew your certification every four years by completing continuing education courses and passing a recertification exam.
Dental Technician Certification Renewal
Dental Technician Certification is regulated by the Dental Board of California. All Dental Technicians must renew their certification every two years. The cost of renewing your certification is $200.
Dental Technician Job Outlook
A career as a dental technician could be a great option for you if you’re interested in working in the dental field. Dental technicians make and repair dental appliances, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They also take dental impressions, which are used to make models of teeth. The job outlook for dental technicians is good, and the median annual salary for dental technicians is $40,080.
Dental Technician Job Opportunities
Dental technicians held about 103,000 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of dental technicians were as follows:
Dental laboratories
Offices of dentists
Offices of physicians
Surgical and medical hospitals
Outpatient care centers
Most dental technicians work in small, independently owned dental laboratories or in the dental laboratory departments of large manufacturing firms. Others work in dentists’ offices.
Dental Technician Job Growth
The dental technician job outlook is positive, with a projected 16% growth in jobs from 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 That is higher than the average growth rate for all occupations. The demand for dental technicians will be driven by an aging population and an increased emphasis on preventive dental care.1
As the baby boomer generation ages, they will need more dental work to maintain their teeth. In addition, there is a growing emphasis on preventive care, which includes regular teeth cleanings and sealants to protect teeth from cavities. As a result, more dental technicians will be needed to make and repair dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, and other dental appliances.
If you’re considering a career in dental technology, you can expect a bright future. Get started today by finding a quality accredited dental technician program.
