Who is a dental technician and what do they do? The dental technician makes and repairs dentures and dental replacements. He/she is usually commissioned by dentists, dental surgeons and orthodontists.
What are the activities of the dental technician? Making and repairing crowns, bridgework and complete dentures from various materials (plastic, resin, ceramics, metals including gold) modelling these by hand using fine hand tools and machines, as well as machine finishing (grinding, milling, drilling), casting in special casting equipment, – making therapeutic aids and tools – doing special work for plastic surgeons – making necessary forms and casts from plaster of Paris, chalk and wire models – taking delivery of (teeth) impressions and X-rays from dentists, their assistants or X-ray technicians, their inspection and examination- keeping records of products made or repaired – administrative contact with dental clinics.
Where is it done and under what conditions? Primarily in a dental laboratory, where contact with chemical substances and sources of heat are possible.
What tools/equipment do they use? For example machinery to make casts, gas burners, ovens, grinders, drills, files, etc.
What do you need to succeed? You need to have completed secondary education, and a specialised training course for dental technicians; you also need spatial ability and precision.