Dental Laboratory Technicians

Certification or Licensing

Technicians with appropriate training and experience can become certified dental technicians, thus earning the right to place the initials CDT after their names. The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology, which awards the credential, reports that "the attained skill and knowledge of the CDT is highly desirable to laboratories. Having this certification provides the dental technician with the advantage of higher salaries, advancement. and job satisfaction."

To become certified, candidates must complete three examinations within a four-year period: a written comprehensive exam, a written specialty exam (which focuses on one of the following specialties: complete dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges, ceramics, orthodontics, implants, and digital workflow), and a hands-on practical exam in the same specialty.

Every year, certified dental technicians must meet specific continuing education requirements in order to maintain certification status. Although certification is not mandatory for employment, many employers regard it as the best evidence of competence.