Dental technicians (also known as dental technologists) make, repair and adjust dental devices which aim to improve patients’ appearance and speech and their ability to chew. These include dentures, crowns, bridges, dental braces, implants or orthodontic appliances.
Dental technicians follow prescriptions given by dentists or other health professionals, often using a dental impression of the patient’s mouth and teeth for reference. They design and construct each device to meet patients’ specific needs using a wide range of instruments and materials including gold, porcelain and plastic. Different techniques including casting, carving, moulding and wire construction are used to build up and shape individual devices.
Dental technicians tend to specialise in one of three disciplines:
- Prosthodontic technicians design and make dentures and implants to replace missing teeth.
- Conservation technicians specialise in crown and bridge work, casting metals and ceramic materials such as porcelain to cover up external damage to a tooth or teeth, by creating a frame that can be cemented in place.
- Orthodontic technicians produce braces using wire which, when tightened, will adjust the positioning of teeth in the mouth and correct bite positions.
Some technicians may be proficient to work in all three main areas. Technicians may also make sports mouthguards, anti-snoring devices and speech therapy appliances. They do not usually have direct contact with patients.
Maxillofacial technicians provide very specialist support. Entering this profession requires several years of training after qualifying and working as a dental technician. Based mainly in hospitals, they work with oral, ophthalmic, burns and cancer units to reconstruct the faces of patients damaged by accident or disease.
Hours and environment
Dental technicians normally work around 37 to 40 hours a week. They typically work weekdays, but those working in hospitals may have to provide emergency cover at weekends, in the evenings and on bank holidays. They may work alone or in a small team. Part-time work is possible.
Dental technicians work in laboratories. They wear protective clothing and use safety equipment such as eye shields.
Skills and personal qualities
A dental technician should have:
- good hand to eye co-ordination
- excellent manual dexterity to produce very precise and accurate work
- some artistic skills and an eye for colour to make dentures, crowns and other appliances look as natural as possible
- the ability to concentrate on tasks for long periods of time
- accuracy and attention to detail
- some scientific skills
- the ability to understand and interpret complex technical instructions
- good eyesight and normal colour vision.
Interests
It is important to:tal technicians
- have an interest in science
- enjoy practical work.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.
Newly qualified Dental Technicians earn between €22,000 and €25,000 rising to up tp €40,000 for senior experienced Dental Technicians.
Useful Links:
Dublin Dental University Hospital
Dental Technicians Association of Ireland