Dental ceramists work in dental laboratories and assist in the creation of crowns, veneers, and dentures. These dental prostheses must be painstakingly crafted from molds of the patients’ teeth. In the United States and many other countries, no specific programs or degrees are required to work as a dental ceramist. Some dental laboratories will hire people who only have a high school diploma or its equivalent and train them on the job. Those who pursue college-level training in dental laboratory technology, on the other hand, may have a better chance of landing a job because some labs prefer to hire people with college degrees.
In the United States and the United Kingdom, associate degree programs in dental laboratory technology are available at a variety of universities, community colleges, and technical colleges. Several certificate programs in specialties such as dental ceramics may also be available. For a student interested in becoming a dental ceramist in another country, different programs and options may be available.
A person who wants to work as a dental ceramist may be hired without a degree or experience in some cases. To work as a dental ceramist, you’ll need manual dexterity and the ability to pay close attention to small details. For a good, comfortable fit, dental prosthetics like dentures and crowns must match the patient’s imprints precisely, and dental ceramists must ensure that the formed dental replacements fit perfectly inside the patient’s mouth. After a patient has worn the prosthetic for a while, adjustments must frequently be made, one at a time. In order to match the color with the patient’s existing teeth, a dental ceramist must have good eyesight.
A student can also earn a certificate completing a formal dental ceramist training program. These classes typically cover topics like sculpting techniques and how to mix acrylics and waxes properly. Many of the courses available can be used toward an associate’s degree in dental laboratory technology. Even if someone gets a job first and learns on the job, completing a formal education can help them learn more skills in a dental lab and expand their career opportunities.
A dental laboratory technician associate’s degree can help those who want to work for large commercial dental laboratories, hospital-affiliated labs, or certain private practices get closer to their goals. People who want to work as a dental ceramist might find that obtaining a degree qualifies them for other jobs. Ceramists are frequently employed companies that manufacture dental products, for example. Dental laboratories also require managers who are familiar with the work that is performed. A dental ceramist with management and business courses or a bachelor’s degree may be able to advance to these positions.