Dental technicians primarily work in a commercial dental laboratory and perform work based on the written order or prescription of a licensed dentist. Every restoration the dental technician creates is custom made and unique to the patient. Want to know more about the Career Opportunities and Pathways in DLT? Considering a career in dental laboratory technology? 

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Successful candidates for careers in dental laboratory technology usually possess good eye-hand coordination and color perception, the ability to use digital tools (CAD/CAM; 3D printers) and an interest in material science and oral health care.

Learn more about the specific tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities required from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET ) at https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/51-9081.00.

• On-the-job training. Visit the NADL Career Center to find open positions.
• Enroll and graduate from a formal dental laboratory technology educational program. Find a dental laboratory education program at https://nbccert.org/directories/institutions/.
• Vocational or post-secondary education focused on computer aided design (CAD). Find a CAD program at https://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/articles/cad-drafting-colleges.html.
• Second career candidates, especially from dental assisting, dental hygiene, or medical device manufacturing. Visit the NADL Career Center to find open positions.

U.S. states do not require an individual to obtain a license to become a dental technician. However, some states require dental laboratories to hire a Certified Dental Technician (CDT) or require a dental technician to maintain a certain number of continuing education hours to stay up to date on changes and trends in the profession.

For those interested in entering the dental laboratory technology profession by completing a certificate program, or gaining an associate or bachelor's degree in dental laboratory technology, a list of recognized educational institutions is available at the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology Recognized Educational Institution Directory. These programs provide students with comprehensive theory and an introduction to laboratory procedures across various dental laboratory technology specialties. Learn more about the benefits of becoming certified.

The Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology also offers online educational resources, such as the Foundation Learning Library for those who want to learn online at their own pace.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a dental technician is $51,664. This represents an increase of 8.3% from previous years. Salary can vary based on location, work setting, ability, and years of experience as well as voluntary certifications earned.

VOLUNTARY CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

As previously stated, no U.S. states require a license to become a dental technician. However, a growing number of states require a dental laboratory to employ at least one CDT.

To view a list of states that require a CDT or continuing education visit the state regulation page at - What's in Your Mouth? (www.whatsinyourmouth.us).

For more information on how to become a CDT visit https://nbccert.org/become-a-cdt.

For more information on certification, please contact:

• Phone: (800) 684-5310
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.nbccert.org

Dentistry and dental laboratory technology continue to be closely interrelated professions. Health, lifestyle, technology and esthetics are driving forces in the continuing advancement of the dental profession.

Based on current national trends, demand for dental laboratory products and services is projected to remain strong with overall sales expected to grow at about 12% and wages to grow at about 8%.

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