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 ComprehensionTime ManagementCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningActive LearningWritingSocial PerceptivenessQuality Control AnalysisLearning StrategiesOperation and ControlInstructingCoordinationService OrientationPersuasionNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesEquipment SelectionTroubleshootingSystems AnalysisRepairingEquipment MaintenanceScienceSystems EvaluationMathematicsTechnology DesignManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesOperations AnalysisProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
DesignAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageMedicine and DentistryProduction and ProcessingEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyChemistryPersonnel and Human ResourcesAdministrativeSales and MarketingMathematicsFine ArtsEconomics and AccountingPhysicsTelecommunicationsBiologyPublic Safety and SecurityCommunications and MediaBuilding and ConstructionTransportationPsychologyLaw and GovernmentSociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyTherapy and CounselingForeign LanguageGeographyPhilosophy and TheologyFood Production
Technology & tools
Bookkeeping softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareComputer imaging softwareDatabase management softwareDental product design softwareDental product manufacturing softwareEasy Solutions Easy LabEmail softwareGraphics softwareIntuit QuickBooksInventory management softwareInventrix LabtracJenmar International DL-PlusLabMagicLaboratory Systems Group Lab ManagerMainstreet Systems & Software DentaLab/PC IIMainstreet Systems & Software DentaRXMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordScheduling softwareSpreadsheet softwareWeb browser softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Thinking CreativelyGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsTraining and Teaching OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAnalyzing Data or InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCoaching and Developing OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesWorking with ComputersAssisting and Caring for OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentPerforming Administrative ActivitiesSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesStaffing Organizational Units
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
41 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Bridge TechnicianCAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)CAM Tech (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technician)CeramistCertified Dental Technologist (CDT)Crown and Bridge Dental Laboratory Technician (Crown and Bridge Dental Lab Tech)Crown and Bridge Technician (Crown and Bridge Tech)Crown CeramistDental Appliance FixerDental Appliance MechanicDental Appliance RepairerDental CeramistDental Ceramist AssistantDental Equipment Installer and ServicerDental Instrument MakerDental Laboratory Technician (Dental Lab Tech)Dental Laboratory Worker (Dental Lab Worker)Dental MechanicDental Mold MakerDental Technician (Dental Tech)Dental TechnologistDenture Contour Wire SpecialistDenture FinisherDenture Laboratory Technician (Denture Lab Tech)Denture Technician (Denture Tech)Denture WaxerLab Processor (Laboratory Processor)Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)Metal FinisherMetal Room Dental Technician (Metal Room Dental Tech)Model and Dye PersonModel Technician (Model Tech)Orthodontic Band Maker (Ortho Band Maker)Orthodontic Laboratory Technician (Ortho Lab Tech)Orthodontic Technician (Ortho Tech)Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician (Orthotic and Prosthetic Tech)Orthotic Prosthetic Technician (Orthotic Prosthetic Tech)Porcelain FinisherPorcelain Technician (Porcelain Tech)Sterile Technician (Sterile Tech)