Oral Health Program: Dental Lab Technician
Dental lab technicians work in a dental lab, using detailed written instructions and molds or scans of the patient’s teeth and/or soft tissues to create dental devices. Responsibilities may include:
- Creating crowns, veneers, bridges, implants, dentures, mouth guards, and more.
- Crafting dental devices with hand instruments and technology.
- Utilizing materials such as metals, ceramics, waxes, plastics, and more to create dental devices.
Dental lab technology is:
- The art of improving the function and beauty of a patient’s mouth.
- The science of understanding tooth anatomy and oral
functions. - The technology of using computer-aided equipment to design dental devices.
Why become a dental lab technician?
- Interest in health, science, and technology
- Ability to work independently and creatively
- Strong attention to detail and hand and eye coordination skills
- Passion for improving a patient's quality of life
How do you become a dental lab technician?
You can learn through on-the-job training by an employer or completing a Technical diploma program. Milwaukee Area Technical College has the only dental lab technician program in Wisconsin. There are no accredited dental lab technician programs available in Wisconsin currently. Find an accredited dental lab technician program!
You may choose to further their career by becoming a Certified Dental Technician. The most direct route to become certified is by graduating from an accredited dental lab technician program. Graduates from non-accredited programs and on-the-job training programs may become certified by meeting additional requirements. Learn more about the different pathways (PDF) to becoming a Certified Dental Technician.
Learn more about the career outlook for dental lab technicians!
Additional resources
- Become a Dental Lab Technician, P-03401 (PDF): Learn what dental lab technicians do, what lab technology is, why to become a lab tech, and how to become one.
- The Paths to Becoming a Dental Lab Technician, P-03462 (PDF): Learn about the different pathways to become a dental lab technician in Wisconsin, ways to advance in the profession, and career outlook information.
- State of Wisconsin Jobs Recruitment: Search current openings for dental positions at the State of Wisconsin.