Dental laboratory technicians
SOC Code: 51-9081Also known as:
Bridge Technician, CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician), CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician), Ceramist, Certified Dental Technologist (CDT)
Median Annual Salary
$48,310
-4.7% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
35K
Current Jobs
What Dental laboratory technicians Do
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
💰 Salary
$48,310
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-4.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
35,200
Projected Employment (2034)
33,600
Related Careers
Dental assistants
$47,300 •
+6.4% growth
Medical equipment repairers
$62,630 •
+12.9% growth
Medical appliance technicians
$47,060 •
+3.7% growth
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
$38,420 •
+2.3% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Time Management
Operations Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
- Place tooth models on an apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
- Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
- Train or supervise other dental technicians or dental laboratory bench workers.
- Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes and pour materials into molds or over frameworks to form dental prostheses or apparatuses.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Dental laboratory technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a dental laboratory technicians:
Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician
295 degrees awarded •
23 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Dental laboratory technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become dental laboratory technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental laboratory technicians make?
The median annual salary for dental laboratory technicians is $48,310.
What education do dental laboratory technicians need?
Most dental laboratory technicians positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Dental Laboratory Technology/Technician.
Is becoming dental laboratory technicians a good career choice?
Dental laboratory technicians is projected to see -4.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 3,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for dental laboratory technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring dental laboratory technicians include
Indiana University-Indianapolis, Southwest College for the Deaf, CUNY New York City College of Technology, William T McFatter Technical College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to dental laboratory technicians?
Dental laboratory technicians may also be known as: Bridge Technician, CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician), CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician), Ceramist, Certified Dental Technologist (CDT), Crown and Bridge Dental Laboratory Technician (Crown and Bridge Dental Lab Tech), Crown and Bridge Technician (Crown and Bridge Tech), Crown Ceramist, Dental Appliance Fixer, Dental Appliance Mechanic, Dental Appliance Repairer, Dental Ceramist, Dental Ceramist Assistant, Dental Equipment Installer and Servicer, Dental Instrument Maker, Dental Laboratory Technician (Dental Lab Tech), Dental Laboratory Worker (Dental Lab Worker), Dental Mechanic, Dental Mold Maker, Dental Technician (Dental Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.