A dental technician is responsible for many vital processes in the care of a dental patient. The technician may be responsible for creating and repairing dental tools such as braces and crowns. It is possible to get a dental technician job with only a high school degree, but obtaining higher education opens up opportunities that might not be available otherwise. On-the-job training is the basis of education for many dental technicians. For those who wish to pursue certification or a degree program, community colleges and technical schools are available. Formal education is a preference in most dental offices or laboratories. Most technicians will get their degree in Dental Laboratory Technology.

Choosing the best program is essential to achieving success in the dental technician field. Program coursework in the dental technician field typically emphasizes chemistry, dental materials and anatomy, and dental appliances. Hands-on experience is used in coordination with classes, which … Read the rest

Dental assistants are a vital part of a team of healthcare professionals that play a role in the dental office. They are responsible for a diverse set of tasks that include patient care and administrative duties. Dental assisting schools help prospective dental assistants acquire the interpersonal, clinical, technological and clerical skills needed to perform their job duties efficiently and effectively.

Although the job duties and tasks performed may vary depending on state regulations and the dentist’s office in which one works, many dental assistants have similar duties. Some of these duties may include:

• Taking x-rays of teeth
• Cleaning and sterilizing each instrument and equipment
• Organizing instruments for procedures
• Swabbing and suctioning the patient’s mouth to keep it dry and clear during procedures
• Removing stitches
• Applying topical anesthetics
• Making temporary crowns
• Making patients feel comfortable during treatment
• Clerical duties such as ordering … Read the rest

Dental assistants represent a booming segment in the healthcare industry, with The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 36 percent rate of growth in the field between 2008 and 2018.

A college degree is not needed; however, a high school diploma is a necessary starting point for anyone wishing to pursue a dental assistant as a career. More than 37 states require the CDA (Certified Dental Assistant) credential from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Whichever educational path a prospective dental assistant chooses, some on-the-job training will be necessary to solidify skills.

What can a qualified dental assistant hope to earn once he or she is ready to enter the workforce? In May 2011, the mean hourly wage for a dental assistant in the United States was $16.70 and the mean annual wage was 34,740. The lowest-earning ten percent of dental assistants made $11.10 per … Read the rest

What is a Dental Assistant?
A dental assistant is a medical professional who performs a variety of clerical, administrative, and clinical tasks in a dentist’s office or another medical environment. Dental assistants are different from dental hygienists, who have additional training and who as a result are authorized to perform a wider variety of clinical tasks, such as cleaning teeth.

Education and Training
Dental assistants do not have to receive any specialized formal training to begin working. However, students may choose to obtain an associate’s degree from a community college or vocational school to improve their knowledge, as well as opportunities for employment.

Regardless of whether the dental assistant has received formal training, he or she must complete a period of on-the-job training. Each dental office has different procedures and the duties may vary by the office. In addition, if the dentist specializes in cosmetic dentistry or reconstructive dentistry, the … Read the rest

In today’s uncertain economic environment, finding a secure, well paying job is a priority. Fortunately, becoming a dental technician can provide both high pay and a rewarding, long-term career.

A dental technician assists the dentist in providing care to dental patients, most specifically in preparing dental appliances. These include dentures, crowns, bridges, and the various forms of orthodontics appliances, more commonly known as braces. The dental lab technician is involved in the following duties:

• A technician must be proficient at taking and recording the measurements provided by the dentist.

• Carrying out the initial evaluation of what form of dental item is needed, under the supervision of his or her dentist.

• Selecting the materials to be used. Some dental appliances may require gold or amalgamate, while others can be formed out of ceramics or other materials.

• The technician must ensure that the complete item fits the patient’s … Read the rest

According to the American Dental Association, “dental laboratory technology is an art and a science.” A dental technician’s duties are widespread and diverse. It is a great field for people who enjoy working with dentists and not directly with patients.

Dental Technician’s Environment

À dental laboratory technician’s work is fragile, precise, and time consuming. Their work environment is usually well lit, private, clean, and well ventilated. The workstation is equipped typically with Bunsen burners, equipment for polishing and grinding, carvers and spatulas, and other hand instruments.

Dental Technician’s Duties

A dental technician fills dental prosthetic prescriptions for dentists, with detailed written instructions. The prescription is either for functional or cosmetic dentistry.

Following is a typical duty of a dental technician: An impression of the mouth and the specification of the requested item, such as a tooth are sent to the technician. The technician pours plaster into a mold formed from … Read the rest