Dental Laboratory Technicians

Technicians can expect to advance as they become an expert in a specialized type of work. Depending on skill, experience, and education, some technicians become supervisors or managers in commercial laboratories. Such promotions often depend on the employee having an associate's degree, so many technicians who began their careers with on-the-job training eventually return for formal education.

Technicians interested in advancing can find out about new methods and update their skills in many ways. Professional organizations provide a variety of learning opportunities. Materials manufacturers also offer courses, often free of charge, in the use of their products; outstanding technicians may be hired as instructors in these courses.

Some dental laboratory technicians, seeking variety and new outlets for their creativity, develop sideline activities that require similar skills and materials. Fine jewelry making, for example, is a natural career development for some technicians. Some technicians become teachers in training programs; others become sales representatives for dental products manufacturers.

Many technicians aspire to own and operate an independent laboratory. This requires a broad understanding of dental laboratory work, a well-developed business sense, and a considerable investment. Nonetheless, most of today's commercial laboratory owners have worked as laboratory technicians themselves.