Training, practical experience, an interview, and recommendations are the four steps to becoming a dental technician. These requirements must be met before you can be considered for a position as a dental technician. Dental technicians work in specialized laboratories that are connected to dental practices in the area.
A dental technician, also known as a dental laboratory technician, is a person who works in a dental laboratory. A dental technician’s job entails creating dental bridges, crowns, and dentures. These items are made to order for each client and are based on the dentist’s molds and instructions. Although some dental technician positions do not require a postsecondary education, the vast majority of employers prefer to hire qualified candidates.
Career and community colleges both offer two-year programs. They offer a mix of theoretical and practical training to ensure that you can find work as a dental technician. There are also university-level programs that take four years to complete and award a bachelor’s degree upon completion. When looking for a job as a dental technician, programs with a practical component are a huge plus.
The National Board for Certification, which is run by the National Association of Dental Laboratories, offers dental technician certification. Technicians with a combination of theoretical and practical experience are eligible for this additional qualification. To become certified, all candidates must pass a written and practical exam. Job placement opportunities or part-time employment can be used to gain practical experience. Excellent manual dexterity, the ability to distinguish color variations, and attention to detail are all required for this position.
Submit your resume in response to job postings to apply for positions as a dental technician. Many colleges have a career center that focuses on resume writing and interview preparation. To increase your chances of success, take advantage of these opportunities.
Before making any job offer, the company will contact you to request an interview. Arrive at least five minutes early for the interview and be prepared. Dress professionally and go over your resume ahead of time. Answer all questions as clearly as possible during the interview process, and prepare at least three questions for the interviewer. These should be questions about the company, its clients, and its business practices.
Prepare a list of professional references to give to prospective employers. Instructors, previous employers, and others who have worked with you can serve as references. Friends and family should not be used as references.