Dental laboratory technicians fill prescriptions from dentists for crown, bridges, dentures, and other dental prosthetics.

As a technician, you will:

    create a model of the patient's mouth, which serves as the basis of the prosthetic device

    build and shape a wax tooth or teeth model using small hand instruments

    cast the metal framework for the prosthetic device

    pour the cast and prepare the surface to allow the metal and porcelain to bond

    apply porcelain in layers, to arrive at the precise shape and color of a tooth

    place the tooth in a porcelain furnace to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework, and then adjust the shape and color to achieve a sealed finish

As a dental laboratory technician, you can specialize in one of five areas: Orthodontic appliances, crows and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics. The work is extremely delicate and time consuming.

National Board certification is voluntary.

Most dental laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job. Becoming a fully trained technician requires an average of 3 to 4 years, depending upon the individual's aptitude and ambition, but it may take a few years more to become an accomplished technician.