Occupation · SOC 51-9081
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
Median wage
$48,310
$36,100–$78,680
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
33,920
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
12 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingTime ManagementOperations MonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingActive ListeningActive Learning
Knowledge areas
DesignAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageMedicine and DentistryProduction and Processing
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
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.Prepare metal surfaces for bonding with porcelain to create artificial teeth, using small hand tools.Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, or missing teeth to repair dentures.Apply porcelain paste or wax over prosthesis frameworks or setups, using brushes and spatulas.Build and shape wax teeth, using small hand instruments and information from observations or dentists' specifications.Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework.Mold wax over denture setups to form the full contours of artificial gums.Create a model of patient's mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.Prepare wax bite blocks and impression trays for use.Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering irons and hand tools.Fill chipped or low spots in surfaces of devices, using acrylic resins.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Dental prescriptions and laboratory work orders — read and interpret under direct supervision to identify basic design requirements for prosthetic devices.Plaster, acrylic, and porcelain mixing ratios — follow established protocols to prepare materials for pouring into molds on a supervised laboratory bench.Dental models and impressions — examine under technician guidance to recognize basic anatomical landmarks relevant to prosthesis design.Hand instruments and basic polishing tools — identify and use under direct supervision to remove visible excess material from simple prosthetic surfaces.Articulators and bite models — assist in placement of tooth models to observe jaw movement simulation under technician direction.Laboratory safety procedures and material handling guidelines — follow consistently to maintain a compliant and hazard-free bench workspace.Simple metal frameworks and denture bases — handle and clean under supervision to support the fabrication workflow in a production dental laboratory.Micrometer and basic measurement instruments — use with guidance to take initial dimensional readings on prosthetic components.Laboratory inventory supplies such as wax, plaster, and acrylic — monitor stock levels and report shortages to a supervising technician.Computer workstation and electronic mail software — use to receive and log incoming lab case documentation under direction from senior staff.
developing
Dental prescriptions and case specifications — review independently to determine appropriate design approaches for common prostheses including full and partial dentures.Acrylic, porcelain, and metal alloy materials — mix and pour into molds or over frameworks with routine proficiency to produce dental prostheses with minimal rework.Crowns, bridges, and inlays — fabricate or repair using established laboratory techniques with reduced oversight in a production dental laboratory setting.Polishing machines and finishing equipment — operate routinely to remove excess porcelain or metal and achieve acceptable surface finish on completed prostheses.Articulators and occlusal evaluation tools — use to place and assess tooth models for functional bite accuracy across standard case types.Micrometre readings and specification tolerances — apply to test completed appliances for dimensional conformance before case submission.CAD software interfaces — navigate to support the design of basic prosthetic components under periodic supervision from a senior technician.Time management strategies — apply to prioritize a daily caseload and meet laboratory turnaround deadlines with routine dependability.New bench workers and trainees — demonstrate standard procedures and material handling techniques under the direction of a laboratory supervisor.Inventory management software — use to track laboratory supplies and flag reorder needs, ensuring uninterrupted production workflow.
proficient
Complex dental prescriptions involving multiple prostheses — analyze autonomously to determine design specifications and select appropriate materials and fabrication methods.Full range of dental devices including dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, and orthodontic appliances — fabricate, alter, and repair independently across diverse and non-routine case presentations.Porcelain layering, metal casting, and CAM-milled frameworks — execute with precision and adapt technique when standard approaches yield out-of-tolerance results.Articulator-based occlusal evaluation — conduct thorough functional assessments of jaw movement and bite simulation, resolving complex occlusal discrepancies before case delivery.Micrometer and quality control instruments — apply systematically to verify dimensional accuracy against prescription tolerances and document conformance findings.CAD and CAM software platforms — use proficiently to design and mill prosthetic restorations, optimizing digital workflows for accuracy and efficiency.Problematic cases with fit or aesthetics failures — diagnose root cause and implement corrective fabrication or adjustment strategies without supervisory input.Junior dental technicians — mentor in skill development across materials, instrumentation, and case management within a production laboratory environment.Graphics and photo imaging software — use to document shade matching, surface detail, and final aesthetics of completed high-complexity prostheses.Production schedules and case tracking systems — manage proactively to balance workload across concurrent cases and maintain consistent on-time delivery.
advanced
Laboratory-wide fabrication standards and quality protocols — develop and implement to ensure consistent prosthesis accuracy and compliance with regulatory and clinical requirements.Strategic adoption of CAD/CAM and digital dentistry technologies — lead evaluation, procurement, and integration within the laboratory to advance production capabilities.Dental technician staff at all skill levels — supervise, evaluate, and develop through structured training programs and performance feedback processes.Complex multi-unit restorative and implant-supported prosthesis cases — oversee from prescription review through final delivery, ensuring the highest standards of fit and aesthetics.Laboratory budget, inventory management software, and accounting systems — administer to control material costs, reduce waste, and maintain financial performance targets.Relationships with dental practitioners and clinical partners — cultivate to improve case specification quality, resolve recurring prescription ambiguities, and strengthen service reputation.Emerging materials, techniques, and industry standards — evaluate through active learning and professional engagement and integrate into laboratory practice to maintain competitive edge.Quality assurance and error-reduction frameworks — design and institutionalize across the laboratory to reduce remakes, improve turnaround times, and elevate customer satisfaction.Workforce planning and staffing decisions — lead by assessing production capacity, identifying skill gaps, and directing hiring or cross-training initiatives within the laboratory.Organizational policies, safety programs, and compliance documentation — author and enforce to meet OSHA, dental board, and accreditation requirements across all laboratory operations.
Also known as
96 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Dentist, Comprehensive (Air Force 47G4A)Denture Laboratory Technician (Denture Lab Tech)Metal FinisherDentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) (Air Force 47G4F)Model Technician (Model Tech)Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician (Orthotic and Prosthetic Tech)Health Services Management Journeyman, Health Information Technology (Air Force 4A051S)CeramistSterile Technician (Sterile Tech)Dentist (Air Force 47G1)Model and Dye PersonDental Appliance RepairerDental Appliance MechanicPorcelain FinisherOrthodontic Laboratory Technician (Ortho Lab Tech)Dentist, Advanced Clinical (Air Force 47G3B)Dentist (Air Force 47G4)Orthotic Prosthetic Technician (Orthotic Prosthetic Tech)Dental Assistant (Air Force 4Y0X1)Dentist, Hospital Dentistry (Air Force 47G4H)Dental Appliance FixerDentist, General Clinical (Air Force 47G4C)Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) (Air Force 47G3F)Finisher, DentureDenture FinisherCAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)Orthodontic Band Maker (Ortho Band Maker)Lab Processor (Laboratory Processor)Dental Superintendent (Air Force 4Y090)Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) (Air Force 47G1F)Dentist, General Clinical (Air Force 47G1C)Dental Laboratory Technician (Dental Lab Tech)Dental Assistant Helper (Air Force 4Y011)Certified Dental Technologist (CDT)Health Services Management Superintendent (Air Force 4A091)Dental Manager (Air Force 4Y000)Dentist, Public Health (Air Force 47G1D)Health Services Management Craftsman, Health Information Technology (Air Force 4A071S)Dentist, Dental Materials Science (Air Force 47G1E)Orthodontic Technician