DENTAL TECHNICIAN INFORMATION
What is a Dental Technician?
Dental Technicians work in the Dental Laboratory to make dental restorations and appliances for Dentists. Using materials such as plasters, waxes, acrylics, alloys, and porcelains, the Dental Technician and Dental Technician Assistant fabricate a variety of crowns, bridges, dentures, partial dentures and orthodontic appliances.
Dentists rely on Dental Technicians to make the dental prosthetic appliances for their patients. The Dentist does the preparatory work in the patient’s mouth, takes an impression, prescribes treatment, and sends the mold to the Dental Laboratory for the Dental Technician to construct the prosthesis.
The Dental Technician and Dentist work together as a team to provide the best treatment for the patient. After the Dental Technician completes the prosthesis, it is returned to the Dentist for fitting and delivery to the patient.
How do I become a Dental Technician?
If you like doing precision work with your hands, have fine motor skills and excellent hand-eye coordination, then you are a good candidate to become a Dental Technician.
On-the-job training for Dental Technician Assistants is available through Protec. If you wish to become a Certified Dental Technician, you must attend a Dental Technician program at a vocational schools or colleges.
In British Columbia, Vancouver Community College offers an extensive two year program based on the College of Dental Technicians of BC’s required standards.
All Dental Technician Assistants and Dental Technicians practicing in British Columbia must be registered with the College of Dental Technicians of BC. The College of Dental Technicians is established by Regulation under the Health Professions Act to regulate the profession of Dental Technology in British Columbia. For further information, contact the college at www.cdt.bc.ca.