Dental Laboratory Technicians

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

$45,820

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

-1% projected 2024–2034

High school diploma or equivalent

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Dental laboratory technicians craft the custom prosthetics and appliances that dentists use to restore their patients' smiles. Working primarily in specialized laboratories, they create dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic devices based on precise specifications and impressions sent by dental offices. These technicians work with various materials including porcelain, plastic, and metal alloys, using both traditional hand tools and modern computer-aided design technology. Their day involves carefully sculpting, molding, and adjusting dental pieces to achieve the perfect fit and natural appearance.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Chabot College, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)Foothill College, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Shoreline Community College, WA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)Lake Washington Institute of Technology, WA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Community College of Denver, CO

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)Pacific University, OR

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(masters)MCPHS University, MA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, OK

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center, OK

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)College of Southern Nevada, NV

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(certificate)Cabrillo College, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)University of the Pacific, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)West Coast University-Orange County, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)West Los Angeles College, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)West Coast University-Los Angeles, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Concorde Career College-San Bernardino, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)Farmingdale State College, NY

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)Virginia Commonwealth University, VA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Concorde Career College-Garden Grove, CA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)University of Maryland Baltimore, MD

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(bachelors)University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Pima Medical Institute-Seattle, WA

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Pima Medical Institute-Tucson, AZ

Dental Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Pima Medical Institute-Houston, TX

Related Careers

Other occupations in Production