Dental Technician Job Description
Job Overview
A dental technician is responsible for the design, manufacture and repair of dental appliances including crowns, bridges, dentures and other orthodontic devices. They work in dental laboratories, dental offices or manufacturing facilities creating specialized dental products that meet patients' specific requirements.
Job Responsibilities
- Read and interpret dental prescription orders from dentists or other dental professionals.
- Create and modify dental impressions and plaster or stone models for the construction of dental devices.
- Fabricate dental prosthetics including dentures, bridges, and crowns using various materials such as acrylic, porcelain, and metal alloys.
- Repair and adjust dental prosthetics as required, ensuring they fit and function properly.
- Conduct quality control checks on completed prosthetics to ensure they meet dentists' specifications and the required standards.
- Maintain accurate records of work performed and materials used.
- Operate and maintain dental laboratory equipment including CAD/CAM systems, 3D scanners and printers, and various hand tools and machines.
- Collaborate with dentists and other dental professionals to determine the best approach for creating and fitting dental prosthetics.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of a dental technician program or apprenticeship program.
- Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity skills.
- Knowledge of dental anatomy, materials, and fabrication techniques.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work well in a team environment.
- Good time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
- Proficiency in the use of computerized dental laboratory equipment and software.
- Familiarity with OSHA regulations regarding dental laboratory safety.
Introduction
Dental technicians play an important role in the dental industry by creating dental prosthetics and appliances. To attract the best candidates for your dental technician job opening, it is crucial to create a well-crafted job posting that clearly outlines the job requirements and expectations.
Job Title and Overview
The job title should be clear and concise, such as "Dental Technician" or "Dental Laboratory Technician." In the overview section, provide a brief summary of the job responsibilities and the qualifications required for the position.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
List the specific duties and responsibilities associated with the job. This could include:
Qualifications and Skills
List the required qualifications and skills needed for the job. This could include:
Working Conditions
Provide information about the working conditions for the job. This could include:
Benefits and Salary
Provide information about the benefits and salary associated with the job. This could include:
How to Apply
List the instructions on how to apply for the job. This could include:
Conclusion
A well-crafted job posting is crucial for attracting qualified candidates for your dental technician job opening. By including clear job responsibilities and qualifications, as well as information about the benefits and salary, you can attract the best candidates for your team.
What should be included in a Dental Technician job posting?
A job posting for a Dental Technician position should include the following information:
- The job title and description.
- The requirements for the position including education, experience or certifications.
- The roles and responsibilities of the position.
- The compensation and benefits package.
- The work schedule including hours and days required for the job.
- The location of the position.
- The application process and specific instructions for applying.
How do I write an effective job posting for a Dental Technician?
Here are some tips for writing an effective job posting for a Dental Technician:
- Be specific about the job requirements and qualifications needed for the position.
- Focus on the benefits and opportunities that come with working for your dental office.
- Use clear and concise language to describe the duties and responsibilities of the job.
- Be sure to include any incentives or bonuses that are part of the compensation package.
- Make sure to include any relevant keywords to help your job posting appear in search engine results.
- Be honest and transparent about the job expectations and work environment.
What are the most important skills for a Dental Technician?
The most important skills for a Dental Technician include:
- Strong manual dexterity to handle small tools and equipment effectively.
- Attention to detail and accuracy for precise work in fabricating dental prosthetics or appliances.
- Effective communication skills to work with dentists, orthodontists or team members.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and 3D spatial visualization ability for visualising and creating dental products.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting errors or technical difficulties during production.
What qualifications are needed for a Dental Technician?
The qualifications needed for a Dental Technician include:
- An associate's degree in dental technology, which includes specialized courses on dental anatomy, occlusion, and prosthodontics.
- A dental laboratory program certification from an ADA-approved organization like the National Board of Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology or the Certified Dental Technician (CDT) from the National Association of Dental Laboratories(NADL).
- Experience working in a dental laboratory or relevant field of work.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity skills required for the job.
What is the typical salary for a Dental Technician?
The typical salary for a Dental Technician depends on the level of experience, education, and qualifications of the individual. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a dental technician in May 2020 was $42,090. However, salary may vary depending on your location and the federal state.