Educational Programs Diploma Florida National College Certificate Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education Center William T. McFatter Technical Center Associate Degree Florida National College Florida Southern College Indian River State College Professional Associations Florida Dental Laboratory Association National Association of Dental Laboratories

Dental laboratory technicians create and repair dentures, bridges, crowns, braces, and other appliances using materials like gold, silver, stainless steel, porcelain, and plastics according to dentists' prescriptions.

Precision, a high degree of manual dexterity, good vision, and the ability to recognize color shadings and variation in shapes are important traits for this occupation.

Areas of Specialization
Technicians can specialize in the areas of crowns and bridges, dental ceramics, partial dentures, complete dentures, and orthodontic appliances.

Work Environment
They work primarily in commercial dental laboratories. Dentists' offices, dental supply companies, and research facilities are other choices. They usually work 40-hour weeks in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas.

Job Outlook
As of 2006, recent reports project that the number of technicians in Florida will need to grow by 7% annually. This is due in large part to the continued exposure of consumers to aesthetic dentistry and the emergence of the baby boomer population into retirement, which will increase the need for restorative dentistry.

Length of Training/Requirements
High school graduates may learn the skills through on-the-job training or in a community college. Academic programs usually require two years or less to complete and lead to either a certificate or an associate degree. These programs include both classroom instruction and "hands-on" practical experience in dental materials, complete denture techniques, theory in crown and bridge, basic ceramics, and advanced fixed and removable specialties. A student graduating from a traditional program which provides both theoretical and applied skills in the field is a sought after commodity and thus would be a more attractive candidate for both employment and higher starting wages.

Advancement
Many technicians are self-employed and own and operate their own laboratories. There are also opportunities to progress into supervisory or managerial positions in the larger commercial labs.

Licensure/Certification
Certification is voluntary and available through the National Board of Certification of the National Association of Dental Laboratories in one or more of the five specialty areas.

Salary
The 2009 average hourly earnings for dental laboratory technicians in Florida was $16.99.