A dental technician assists dentists in making dental prosthetics like dental crowns, bridges and dentures.
Dental technicians use a variety of tools and materials to create these prosthetics and various dental appliances, which are then used to restore patients' teeth.
Dental technicians must have a strong understanding of dental anatomy and be able to create prosthetics that look and function like natural teeth.
Some dental technicians may also choose to pursue additional training through professional organisations or continuing education courses.
You may also pursue a career as a dental laboratory assistant by enrolling in a certificate program.
A dental laboratory assistant is a dental team member that designs and manufactures prosthetic goods such as dentures, repairs to dentures, impression trays, mouth guards, and other thermoformed goods.You will be making crowns and bridges, dentures, implants and mouthguards.
Common dental technician jobs in commercial dental laboratories include making mouthguards and plates for correcting misaligned or fractured teeth, as well as developing and laying ceramic dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and full or partial dentures for broken or damaged teeth.It also covers everything from polishing and finishing braces or retainers before they are put in a client's mouth to plaster casting for various dental moulds to make devices such as false teeth.
A dental technician makes an impression of a patient's teeth by using a variety of specialised equipment,
First, the dental technician will take an impression of the patient's teeth. This impression is then used to create a plaster model of the mouth.
Next, the dental technician will use this plaster model to create a wax replica of the patient's teeth.
Clinical dental technicians then use the replica to create the final prosthetic or other oral devices like dental crowns.Some common tools used by dental technicians include dental drills, lathes, grinders, and milling machines. Common materials used by dental technicians include metals, plastics, ceramics, and waxes. Dental technicians must have a strong understanding of the properties of these materials in order to select the best material for each patient.
Dental technicians often face tight deadlines when creating prosthetics for patients. Another common challenge faced by dental technicians is dealing with difficult or challenging cases. Some patients may have complicated dental problems that require special care and attention. Dental technicians must be able to problem-solve and think outside the box in order to create prosthetics that meet the unique needs of each patient.
One way is to complete an accredited certificate. This certificate will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work as a dental technician, as well as allowing you to perform more complex tasks such as tooth preparation and casting.
No matter which route you choose, it is important to make sure that you are completing an accredited program in order to be eligible to work as a dental technician. For more information on dentists, take a look at The Department of Health.Dental technicians can work in a variety of settings, such as dental laboratories, dental offices, and hospitals. Dental technicians who work in dental laboratories typically fabricate dental prosthetics. Dental technicians who work in dental offices typically assist dentists with patient care. Dental technicians who work in hospitals typically provide support to patients who require dental surgery.
Dental technicians who wish to specialise in a particular area of dentistry may choose to complete an advanced certificate or degree in that area. Dental technicians who wish to become managers or educators may choose to complete a business or teaching degree. Dental technicians who wish to open their own dental laboratory may choose to complete a business degree or diploma. Dental technicians who wish to work in research may choose to complete a PhD in Dentistry.