Online Dental Lab Technician Diploma and Certificate Programs
Dental lab technicians construct appliances like dentures, bridges, crowns and veneers from measurements, images and molds supplied by dentists. Working with plastics and metals, dental lab technicians create tooth replacements that are aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Hybrid certificate programs offer students the opportunity to combine supervised lab work at nearby dental laboratories with online didactic classes.
Online Dental Lab Technician Diploma and Certificate Overview
Due to the hands-on nature of a dental lab technician's work, it is rare to find fully online or hybrid diploma or certificate programs. Occasionally, a school may work with distance learning students to find dental laboratories willing to make their facilities and technicians available for the laboratory portion of the student's program. Course credits from dental lab technician diploma and certificate programs can generally transfer into a relevant associate's degree program.
Online Program Information and Requirements
The classroom part of the dental lab technician certificate program covers the anatomy of the mouth and teeth, the structure and function of dental prostheses, the composition of dental materials and the construction of appliances. This material makes up the online component of the hybrid program. If a suitable dental laboratory cannot be found for on-site lab work, the student may have to travel to the school for labs. Tests are generally taken at a designated testing center.
The online sections of each course are usually delivered through video conferencing or the Internet. Students need a computer with Internet access, a recent operating system and a current Web browser. Word processing software is required to complete assignments. Certain software programs and plug-ins may be required for some classes.
List of Online Dental Lab Technician Courses
The didactic classes are typically scheduled to run in concert with laboratory work on the same subject. Sample courses include:
Dental Materials Course
The use of dental materials, including resin, porcelain and metals, is presented in lectures. Students examine these materials in the laboratory.
Dental Anatomy Course
Students familiarize themselves with structure of the head and neck, as well as the location of the permanent teeth. The laboratory portion of the course involves scale drawings and carvings of permanent teeth.
Complete Dentures Course
The construction, fitting and articulation of complete dentures is discussed. Students observe fabrication demonstrations and reproduce those techniques in the laboratory.
Dental Ceramics Course
This course explains how porcelain is fused to metal to create strong and realistic dental restorations. Students are taught how to fire ceramics, build metal substructures and create ceramic alloy restorations.
Career Information for Dental Lab Technicians
Dental lab technicians can find positions in dental clinics, dental labs, dental product manufacturing companies or private dental offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for dental lab technicians were projected to grow 14% from 2008-2018, slightly faster than the average growth for all jobs (www.bls.gov). The median annual salary was $34,820 in 2009.
Continuing Education and Certification Information
Dental lab technicians have a few certification options through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. Technicians must take written, practical and comprehensive exams in one or more of five specialty areas. Successful completion of the exam results in a Certified Dental Technician (CDT) certification. In order to renew CDT certification, dental lab technicians must earn 12 hours of continuing education credits every year.
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