The potential candidate
Create dentures and partials: Technicians fabricate full and partial dentures from start to finish, which involves setting teeth, waxing, and processing the final product. They also perform repairs, relines, and create custom trays.
Construct crowns and bridges: Using impressions or molds of a patient's teeth, they build and shape crowns, bridges, and veneers from materials like porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys.
Fabricate orthodontic appliances: Technicians make various orthodontic devices to help correct tooth and jaw alignment, including retainers, splints, and clear aligners.
Produce implant-supported restorations: For more complex cases, they fabricate implant-supported restorations using metal and/or polymer structures.
Digital and material tasks
Utilize digital technology: Many labs use modern digital technology, and technicians may operate computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) equipment and 3D printers to create restorations.
Work with different materials: Technicians must be proficient in working with various dental materials, including acrylics, composites, ceramics, and metals, selecting the right one based on durability and aesthetics.
Perform waxing and finishing: They use hand instruments to build and shape wax models of teeth, then polish and glaze the finished prosthetics for a smooth, natural-looking surface.
Operational responsibilities
Interpret prescriptions and specifications: A technician's work begins with carefully reading and understanding a dentist's prescription and work orders to determine the design and materials required for each device.
Maintain quality and safety: They are responsible for inspecting the final product for accuracy and quality and ensuring all lab procedures adhere to health and safety regulations.
Manage lab operations: In addition to their hands-on work, technicians may also handle general lab duties like maintaining equipment and managing inventory.
