Career Definition for a Cosmetic Dental Technician
A cosmetic dental technician is responsible for making cosmetic prosthetics for dental patients. A cosmetic dentist sends technicians a patient's impressions or molds, and a cosmetic dental technician makes a model of the patient's mouth. Cosmetic dental technicians are responsible for making veneers, which are becoming an increasingly popular form of cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are bonded to teeth to improve the look of worn, chipped or misaligned teeth.
| Required Education | On-the-job training common; associate's and bachelor's degree programs optional |
| Job Duties | Include making models and veneers for dental patients |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $47,320 (all dental laboratory technicians) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 2% growth (all dental laboratory technicians) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Required
The field of cosmetic dental technology does not have standard education requirements, and a period of on-the-job training is a common way to acquire laboratory skills, first learning the basics, like making models, and moving on to advanced techniques, like creating orthodontic appliances.
Cosmetic dental technicians can receive their education and training through a 2-year program at a technical college, community college, vocational school, university or dental school. There are few 4-year bachelor's degree programs that offer training in this field. Core classes include dental anatomy, dentures and dental ceramics. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association is responsible for accrediting these dental programs.
Skills Required
Cosmetic dental technicians must be able to follow physical models of the teeth and mouth as well as written instructions so that the final product is exactly what the cosmetic dentist requested and the patient wanted. Technicians need to know how to use and understand cosmetic dentistry tools and terminology.
Economic and Career Outlook
As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental lab technicians is expected to increase by 2% from 2021-2031. Demand for certain prosthetics, like crowns and veneers, is predicted to increase, but for dentures is expected to decrease. According to the BLS, the median salary of a dental lab technician was $47,320 in 2021.
Alternate Career Options
Here are some examples of alternative career options:
Medical Appliance Technician
These technicians usually learn their skills on the job for constructing and repairing various types of medical support devices, such as supports, braces and prosthetics. Faster than average employment growth of 5% from 2021-2031 was projected by the BLS. They earned a median annual wage of $46,320 in 2021, according to the BLS.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician
On-the-job training is most common for ophthalmic lab techs, who make prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses. Anticipated growth in this occupation was good, with a faster-than-average employment increase of 4% expected by the BLS, from 2021-2031. A median annual salary of $38,910 was earned by these lab techs in 2021, per the BLS.
