Dental Technologists, Technicians and Laboratory Assistants
(NOC 3223)
in All HealthDental technologists and technicians design, prepare, and make dentures and dental devices as prescribed by dentists and other specialists. Devices include full or partial dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, clasps and bands, and implants. Dental laboratory assistants help dental technologists and technicians prepare and make dentures and other dental devices. They work in dental laboratories. Dental technologists and technicians who are supervisors are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$15.50
Minimum$23.46
Median$36.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$48,349
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.70
Minimum$26.60
Median$43.30
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Dental technologists and technicians design, prepare, and make dentures and dental devices as prescribed by dentists and other specialists. Devices include full or partial dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, clasps and bands, and implants. Dental laboratory assistants help dental technologists and technicians prepare and make dentures and other dental devices. They work in dental laboratories. Dental technologists and technicians who are supervisors are included in this group.
Job duties
Dental technologists, technicians, and laboratory assistants:
- Design, make, or repair dental devices including full or partial dentures, orthodontic appliances, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, clasps and bands, and implants.
- Prepare plaster models and moulds from dental impressions.
- Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays.
- Cast gold or metal alloys for bridges and denture bases.
- Pack plastic material in moulds to form full or partial dentures.
- Mould wax over denture set-up to form full contours of artificial gums.
- Make orthodontic bands from gold, silver, stainless steel, or other metals.
- Finish metal framework of dentures and polish and buff dentures to obtain natural finish.
- May consult with dentists or other specialists on problematic dental cases.
- May train and supervise other dental technicians and dental laboratory assistants in fabricating dentures and other dental devices.
- May perform administrative functions for the dental laboratory.
Sample job titles
- dental laboratory assistant
- dental laboratory bench worker
- dental laboratory technician
- dental technician
- dental technician apprentice
- dental technologist
- orthodontic dental technician
- registered dental technician
- registered dental technologist
Skills
- You should have good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others. Patience and the ability to handle stressful situations may be needed. You must be efficient and accurate, yet sensitive to the needs of patients. Hand-eye coordination and an aptitude for detailed and precise work are necessary. Artistic ability may also be helpful.
Job requirements
- Dental technologists and technicians require a college program in dental technology or four or more years of on-the-job training under the supervision of a registered dental technologist or technician.
- To practice in the province of Nova Scotia you must be a member of the Nova Scotia Dental Technicians Association.
- Dental laboratory assistants usually require high school and up to two years of on-the-job training.
Other considerations
- Dental laboratory assistants may progress to dental technologist and technician positions with training, experience and registration.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$48,365 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Health care and social assistance
Manufacturing
Educational services
Public administration
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Health
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$48,351 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ABachelor
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/AHigh school
N/ACompared to: All Health
College Diploma
$40,033 median annual incomeBachelor
$61,668 median annual incomeMedicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry
$81,191 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,829 median annual incomeMaster
$69,296 median annual incomeEducation & training
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional designation. Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial standards for the job. Employers may require professional designation, but professional designation is not necessary to do this work.
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.