How Do I Become a Certified Dental Technician?

Those looking to become a certified dental technician will need the right combination of education, training, and personal characteristics to succeed. Candidates looking to enter the profession should obtain the appropriate educational requirements before seeking additional training and employment. In addition, those looking to become a dental technician should also prepare for work that requires a high attention to detail and accuracy.

Dental technicians manufacture dental prosthetics for dentists and their patients. This includes crowns, dentures, and other dental implants. Technicians use the prescription and molds provided to them by dentists to create the desired prosthetic. They work with plaster, metal, and porcelain to make the prosthetic look as much like the lost tooth, or teeth, as possible.

Employment as a dental technician often depends on completing basic education requirements. This includes completing a high school diploma or degree program and taking coursework that will help those looking to become a certified dental technician develop the skills necessary to complete basic tasks related to the occupation. Coursework focused on measurements, such as mathematics, and art or design will complement the skills learned once employed or seeking further education.

Various skills can also help those hoping to become a certified dental technician reach their goals. Skills helpful in the occupation include manual dexterity, excellent vision, and a creative and artistic ability. Dental technicians should also be comfortable working with computers and other technological equipment.

Candidates should choose to continue on a path to further education in the field before seeking employment or while completing an internship with a dental laboratory. Community colleges and universities often offer certificate or degree programs for those looking to become a certified dental technician. Courses will focus on the procedures necessary to create an impression, work with porcelain and other materials, and grind, cut, and polish dental prosthetics.

After successful completion of an academic program related to the profession, candidates should seek employment with dental laboratories. Additional training will often be provided to help the employee become familiar with the procedures specific to that particular dental laboratory. Taking the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the field will help those looking to become a certified dental technician seek out and successfully pass certification tests and opportunities.

Local, regional, and national agencies can help provide information related to certification as a dental technician. This often requires a specific amount of education and experience in the field. Keeping up with the changes related to new technology in the field and taking advantage of any training programs offered by an employer can help a candidate pass the required certification exams.