US Dental Lab Technician Schools: How to Become a Dental Lab Technician
Dental lab technicians work with dentists and dental specialists to create restorative prosthetics, such as dentures, crowns and bridges, and orthodontic devices. As a career, dental technology offers an appealing combination of creativity, technology, and medical science. An ideal skillset commonly includes an interest in technology, attention to detail, manual dexterity, and good hand-eye coordination.
Most graduates from dental lab technician schools work in commercial dental laboratories, hospitals, or dental offices. Some choose to take teaching positions in dental schools, work in research or sales for dental manufacturers, or become owners/managers of dental laboratories.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) puts the median pay for dental laboratory technicians at $47,320 per year, as of May 2021. However, factors like level of education, further skills training, certifications, and experience all play a role in determining salaries. With great credentials, candidates can aim to earn in the range of $71,740 (90th percentile).
Employment prospects are looking good for the coming years. The BLS expects job opportunities for dental technicians and related occupations to increase by 12% between 2020 and 2030. This is a significantly faster rate of growth than the overall average job growth forecast.
U.S. Dental Lab Technician Schools and Programs
A variety of community colleges and universities, vocational and technical schools, and hospitals offer dental laboratory technology programs. Areas of specialization include partial dentures, complete dentures, ceramics, crowns and bridges, orthodontic appliances, and implants.
Here, we’ll look at some of the better-known dental lab technician schools offering certificates, associate degree programs, and bachelor’s degrees.
CUNY New York City College of Technology
City Tech’s Dental Laboratory Technology program is the largest and most well-known of its kind in the US. It was the first accredited dental technology program in the country, the first to become a Certified Dental Lab (CDL), and the first to purchase and integrate computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology into the curriculum.
In addition to the usual requirements for admission, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and math. Those wishing to transfer from another college require a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better.
Dental Laboratory Technology is a 64-credit course over four semesters. Successful students receive an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree with a major in Dental Laboratory Technology.
To become a Certified Dental Technician (CDT), successful students are eligible to take exams administered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC). Written exams are followed by a practical exam in one or more specialties, after gaining proficiency through experience in the field.
Florida National University-Main Campus
Dental Laboratory Technology is a 75-credit course, offered in both English and Spanish. Sixty of the required credits comprise core technical training and theory in full and partial dentures, crown and bridge, and porcelain. Students who are not computer literate must take an additional four-credit course in computers. Graduates receive an Associate of Science Degree from FNU.
Durham Technical Community College
Durham Tech has the only Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited dental laboratory technology program in North Carolina. It is an 18-19 month, 69-credit program that rewards participants with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. Thereafter, successful graduates may take the NBC exam for certification.
Admission prerequisites include a US high school minimum GPA of 2.8 and satisfactory scores on the ACT, SAT, GED, HiSET, NCDAP, COMPASS, ASSET, or ACCUPLACER. A transfer college credit for English and math, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree are also accepted.
The curriculum includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical rotation training. Specifically, this entails fabricating dental restorations—such as complete and partial dentures, metal or porcelain crowns, and bridges. Students use specialized hand instruments and equipment, work with various dental materials, and gain practical experience through real lab work.
Certificates awarded within the AAS degree include Dental Ceramic Techniques (8 months), Cast Partial Denture (8 months), and Crown and Bridge Techniques (10-11 months).
Bates Technical College
Bates College offers dental lab technician programs accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA)—the only such fully accredited program in Washington state. Successful completion of the program fast-tracks graduates to achieve their CDT.
The course covers aspects of traditional and digital restorative dentistry, as well as the design and fabrication of dental prostheses using hands-on and CAD/CAM techniques. This entails dentures, orthodontic appliances, gold and porcelain crowns, and bridges. Second-year courses emphasize work-based learning credits.
A one-year, 65-credit course culminates in a Certificate of Competency. Alternatively, students may choose the two-year, 115-credit curriculum that leads to an AAS degree. Requirements for enrollment are a high school diploma or GED, placement tests, and a dexterity and hand-eye coordination assessment.
Pasadena City College
The two-year Dental Laboratory Technology program at Pasadena City College leads to a Certificate of Achievement in Restorative Dental Technology, followed by employment in a dental laboratory. Graduates of this CODA-accredited course are eligible to take written and practical NBC exams to earn CDT status.
The program is approved by the Dental Board of California. Furthermore, it prepares students for the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become nationally recognized and the Registered Dental Assistant Examination to become state-certified.
The curriculum emphasizes fundamental laboratory procedures and advanced instruction in all six specialized areas. Students may also work toward an associate’s degree in Health Sciences, which requires additional general education.
Continuing Education in Dental Lab Technician Schools
After completing dental lab technician studies, graduates have plenty of opportunities to continue their education in this highly technical field. There are various schools and academic institutions that offer post-graduate programs for certified dental lab techs, including the universities mentioned above.
There are also organizations that provide scholarships and grants to students and universities wanting to pursue further education in dental lab technology. Many of them have support from the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), including the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology.
Foundation For Dental Laboratory Technology (FDLT)
The FDLT is dedicated to making quality education accessible in the field. They offer a wide range of grants and scholarships for students who want to pursue or continue their dental laboratory technology education.
The Foundation was and continues to be backed financially by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL). Thanks to their generous $200K contribution, the FDLT is able to provide up-to-date, comprehensive courses on dental laboratory technology.
Today, the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology works with the NADL in their shared responsibility to the future of dental lab tech education. Numerous members of the NADL and industry professionals, including Sterngold Dental, are proud contributors to The Foundation, funding educational grants and student scholarships alike.
How to Become a Dental Lab Technician?
Typically, dental lab technician schools are open to graduates with a high school diploma or the General Educational Development (GED) equivalent. Remember to check whether your chosen school requires a minimum GPA.
Additional coursework in math and/or English may need to be completed before being accepted into a program. High school subjects like math, science, computer programing, and art are a good fit for students looking to study dental laboratory technology.
It’s vital to select a program accredited by the ADA, which ensures high-quality training that meets or exceeds industry standards. Certificate courses tend to be shorter—around a year—while an associate’s degree will take two years or longer. A four-year bachelor’s degree in dental laboratory technology is also available.
Certification in dental technology is not compulsory. Some graduates choose to hone their skills with on-the-job training. However, becoming a Certified Dental Technician in Dental Laboratory Technology will help kickstart your career—as well as boost your earning potential.
The certification process entails the completion of three exams over four years—a general exam followed by written and practical specialty exams. Keep in mind that certificates are only available to those who have taken an accredited program or worked in the field for a minimum of five years.
Using the Best Restorative Products and Equipment
Restorative dentistry is a rewarding career path. Dental laboratory technicians combine creative flair with an aptitude for science and technology to design and fabricate dental prostheses. Advancements in digital technology—such as 3D printing, CAD, digital imaging, new materials, and more—cement dentistry as a forward-thinking and stimulating occupation.
It’s worth noting that dental lab technicians aren’t necessarily restricted to fabricating prosthetics in a commercial or state-run laboratory. Graduates can also work toward specialized positions in hospitals, manufacturing (research and sales), education, or even managing or owning a dental prosthetics laboratory.
Restorative dentistry relies on top-quality yet affordable dental products and services, which are key to the quality of patients' care and staff's continuing education. Sterngold is a trusted, leading source for implants, attachments, materials, equipment, and digital solutions. Contact Sterngold for all your treatment, practice, and patient needs today!