How Long Does it Take to Learn to Be a Dental Lab Technician?
Overview There are four way to train for a career as a dental laboratory technician, but each requires that you have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Enrolling in an intensive, one-year vocational certificate program is the fastest (but most expensive) option, followed by the slightly more affordable two-year associate’s degree option. Beyond this, you can enter a formal apprenticeship program (usually three to five years) or enlist in the Navy and opt for its dental technician vocational track (a four-year commitment plus relocation). Though the latter two options take more time, you spend most of the program on the actual job and receive a salary (albeit a reduced one). These extra years of hands-on experience give you a competitive advantage in the job market over newly graduated associate’s degree and vocational certificate candidates.
