DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Dental laboratory technicians are independent dental team members who work in laboratories. They make all types of dental restorations, prostheses and appliances. Dental lab technicians use laboratory techniques to make crowns and bridges, veneers, mouthguards, orthodontic retainers, complete dentures, removable partial dentures and dental implants.
Education
A high-school diploma is required. Formal training includes two years of education in an accredited dental laboratory technology program at a college or vocational-technical center.
Degree
Graduates of an accredited dental laboratory technology program receive a certificate or Associate in Science (AS) degree and may take the national board examination for dental laboratory technology certification immediately after graduation. Others may qualify to sit for the exam after five years of experience with sufficient on-the-job training (apprenticeship) and education. After passing the certification exam, the student becomes a certified dental technician (CDT). Students coming out of school can take the recognized graduate exams; however, graduates of accredited programs can immediately sit for the Certified Dental Technician exam.
Availability of Programs
There are three accredited dental laboratory technology programs in Florida. They are located at community colleges, vocational-technical centers and private institutions.
Cost of Education
The cost to complete a dental laboratory technology program ranges from $1,100 to $3,700.
Financial Aid
There are several private, state and federal loans available for qualified applicants.
Job Opportunities
There are more than 1,000 private registered dental laboratories in Florida. Many dental technicians own their own business. Also, 13.68 percent of dental laboratory technicians work in dental-office laboratories. According to the Florida Agency for Workforce Development, the estimated number of Dental Laboratory Technicians employed in Florida in 2004 was 4,454, and it is projected that in 2012 there will be 5,114.
Salary
According to the Florida Agency for Workforce Development, the median annual earnings for dental laboratory technicians in 2005 are $32,012. Entry-level technicians can expect an average annual income of $ 21,408. Experienced technicians can earn an average of $43,158. Earnings vary by geographic location, employment setting and years of experience. Technicians who pass the National Board for Certification to become Certified Dental Technicians (CDT) usually command higher salaries. Those who own their own commercial laboratory often earn incomes in the low six figure range.
Benefits
Benefits vary depending upon the policies of individual dental laboratories or dental offices.
Scholarships
The Florida Dental Health Foundation in cooperation with the Florida Dental Laboratory Association and the faculty of the accredited training programs, awards scholarships to needy students enrolled in a dental laboratory technology program.
For a scholarship application, contact the FDHF office at (850) 877-9922, Ext. 119. You can download scholarship applications here.
