Dental Technician
Tasks & duties
Dental technicians work from a mould of a client’s mouth made by a dentist or a clinical dental technician, and custom-make a wide range of appliances for the mouth, including:
-
removable partial dentures
-
crowns (covers for broken or damaged teeth)
-
dentures
-
removable orthodontic appliances (plates with wires to straighten teeth)
-
mouthguards
-
splints for broken or cracked jawbones
-
anti-snoring devices
-
teeth whitening trays
Clinical dental technicians may do some or all of the following:
-
assess oral tissue
-
recognise abnormal conditions of the mouth
-
take impressions of teeth
-
make partial dentures, full dentures and other oral devices
-
re-line dentures that are ill-fitting
Specialisations
Orthodontic technician
Orthodontic technicians manufacture orthodontic appliances to a dentist's prescription, for the purposes of moving, straightening or otherwise restoring incorrect tooth positions in mainly younger patients.
Maxillofacial technician
Maxillofacial technicians construct specialised prostheses to help rehabilitate patients with facial irregularities from trauma, disease or inherited deformity. These technicians usually work in hospitals and with maxillofacial surgeons.
Crown and bridge technician
Crown and bridge technicians specialise in the manufacture of crowns and bridges, veneers and implants from materials such as porcelain, gold, and specialised ceramics.
Skills & knowledge
Dental technicians need to have:
-
knowledge of the structure and function of teeth, the jaw and mouth, and their importance to effective chewing
-
knowledge of different dental equipment, methods and materials
-
modelling, shaping and sculpturing skills
-
planning skills
-
problem-solving skills
-
good observational skills to shape teeth correctly
-
knowledge of chemistry and general science
Specialist knowledge is required if technicians work in an advanced area of clinical work, such as implantology (replacing a tooth by implanting pins into a client's jawbone to hold the new tooth).
Entry requirements
To become a dental technician you need to have a Bachelor of Dental Technology.
To become a clinical dental technician, a dental technician must work for two years and complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training, and you need to have Bursary or NCEA equivalent chemistry and Sixth Form Certificate or NCEA equivalent biology. Other useful subjects include maths, art and physics.
Training on the job
Under the Health Practitioners' Competency Act 2004, all dental technicians must complete continuing professional development.
Useful experience
Useful experience for dental technicians includes work in the dentistry industry, or any work requiring hand-eye co-ordination such as making precision models or jewellery.
Related courses
Dental Technology
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
Document Actions