What is the job description of a dental laboratory technician?
The Dental Laboratory Technician constructs and repairs oral prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, and dentures used to improve patient appearance and overall oral functionality with respect to speech and ability to chew. What tasks are performed by the Dental Laboratory Technician? The Dental Laboratory Technician makes models of the mouth and teeth from impressions of the patient’s mouth, which are taken by the dentist or dental prosthetist. These models are then used to build a wax replica of part or all of the mouth and/or teeth on the model. After the replica is encased in a mold material, the wax is melted away and substituted with plastic, ceramic or metal materials to make the replacement appliance. This appliance is then polished and finished prior to its being placed in the patient’s mouth. Making appliances for patients with cleft palates, braces and plates for correcting irregular teeth, as well as mouth guards, are also within the Dental Laboratory Technicians expertise. Wh
