Dental Laboratory Technicians Go Back to List Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Accounting software

Tasks
	Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
	Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
	Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
	Place tooth models on 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 apparatus.
	Prepare metal surfaces for bonding with porcelain to create artificial teeth, using small hand tools.
	Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
	Create a model of patient's mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.
	Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework.
	Build and shape wax teeth, using small hand instruments and information from observations or dentists' specifications.

Skills
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Knowledge
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
	Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	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.
	Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $49,655.00 $23.88  $17.46  $18.29 - $25.21  Hartford $48,631.00 $23.38  $16.91  $17.98 - $31.82  New Haven $51,766.00 $24.89  $20.00  $23.63 - $24.53

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   18   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.