Dental Laboratory Technicians

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Career Profile

Dental Laboratory Technicians

What they do

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

Also Called: Ceramist, Crown and Bridge Dental Laboratory Technician (Crown and Bridge Dental Lab Tech), Dental Ceramist, Dental Laboratory Technician (Dental Lab Tech), Dental Technician (Dental Tech), Denture Technician (Denture Tech), Metal Finisher, Orthodontic Laboratory Technician (Ortho Lab Tech), Porcelain Technician (Porcelain Tech), Waxer, Ceramist, Crown and Bridge Dental Laboratory Technician (Crown and Bridge Dental Lab Tech), Dental Ceramist, Dental Laboratory Technician (Dental Lab Tech), Dental Technician (Dental Tech), Denture Technician (Denture Tech), Metal Finisher, Orthodontic Laboratory Technician (Ortho Lab Tech), Porcelain Technician (Porcelain Tech), Waxer

AR Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$36,410
Starting Salary (2025)
$49,960
Median Salary (2025)
-4.7%
Projected Job Growth
840
AR Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
Place tooth models on an apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes and pour materials into molds or over frameworks to form dental prostheses or apparatuses.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Initiative
Achievement/Effort
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Judgment and Decision Making
Operations Monitoring
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 52%
  • Post-secondary certificate 18%
  • Less than high school 13%
  • Some college 7%
  • Master's degree 6%
  • Other 4%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.