To work as a dental lab technician, students can gain the necessary training through certificate or associate's degrees. In these programs, students will learn the duties of a dental lab technician, such as reading and understanding orthodontic images, dental prescriptions and oral impressions.
9 Schools with Dental Laboratory Programs
Below are nine schools that have programs suitable for students interested in becoming dental lab technicians with their undergraduate fee rates for the 2015-2016 academic year:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College | Tucson, AZ | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $1,974 in-state, $8,610 out-of-state |
| Pasadena City College | Pasadena, CA | 2-year, Public | Associate's, Certificate | $1,152 in-state, $6,180 out-of-state |
| Portland Community College | Portland, OR | 2-year, Public | Associate's, Certificate | $3,766 in-state, $8,374 out-of-state |
| Wayne County Community College District | Detroit, MI | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $2,813 in-district, $3,080 in-state, $3,807 out-of-state |
| Los Angeles City College | Los Angeles, CA | 2-year, Public | Associate's, Certificate | $1,220 in-state, $6,810 out-of-state |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | Brooklyn, NY | 4-year, Public | Associate's | $6,669 in-state, $13,779 out-of-state |
| Indiana University-Purdue Global | Fort Wayne, IN | 4-year, Public | Associate's | $8,080 in-state, $19,408 out-of-state |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans | New Orleans, LA | 4-year, Public | Associate's | $10,014 in-state, $19,998 out-of-state |
| Erie Community College | Williamsville, NY | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $5,189 in-state, $9,784 out-of-state |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking for dental laboratory schools:
- The length of a program may affect a student's choices - associate's degree programs take longer to complete than certificate programs, but have the advantage of business courses and more in-depth study.
- Choosing the right college or school for dental laboratory studies involves looking at the curriculum to be sure appropriate subjects are covered; useful topics include how the mouth and jaw work; creating, measuring and testing dental appliances for proper occlusion and function; and working with metal, porcelain, composites and other materials to build oral appliances.
- Practical opportunities and resources for further learning may factor into a student's decision, as some colleges have internship opportunities as well as evening or weekend class options.
Before applying to a dental laboratory school, be sure to check out the curriculum offered to ensure that it meets the educational requirements to become a dental laboratory technician. Programs in this field are offered at many schools, generally in the form of certificate programs that take just a couple of semesters to complete.
