What Schools Offer Dental Lab Technician Programs?
Get the facts about dental lab technician programs at three schools. See details on program requirements, common course topics, and learn more about hands-on training in the field as well as continuing education requirements.
Dental Lab Technician Overview
Dental lab technicians use a dentist's specifications to produce a number of important dental appliances, such as bridges, crowns and partial dentures. Most training programs last two years and lead to an associate's degree. Some programs also offer a bachelor's degree or certificate in dental laboratory technology. Below the table are some schools that offer dental lab technician programs.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutDentalLabTechnicianPrograms">Important Facts About Dental Lab Technician Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Dental ceramist, denture technician, orthodontic lab technician</td></tr>
<tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> No formal educational requirements, English language requirement</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education </td><td> 12 hours per year</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> No (clinical lab experience required)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $45,770 (for all dental lab technicians)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> -1% (for all dental lab technicians)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---PortlandCommunityCollege">Portland Community College</h3><p>The Dental Laboratory Technology program offered at Portland Community College is the only one of its kind in Oregon. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and provides students with comprehensive training in dental appliance fabrication.
</p><p>Students may choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S) in the field, which includes 95 hours of general education and core coursework. A two-year Dental Laboratory Technology certificate can be earned by completing 79 hours of coursework in the field. Coursework covers dental anatomy and dental material science, denture methods, crowns and bridges. Both programs feature extensive work in lab environments as well as a practicum and seminar.
</p><h3 id="section---DurhamTechnicalCommunityCollege">Durham Technical Community College</h3><p>Durham Technical Community College offers a 5-semester program in dental laboratory technology. A variety of topics are covered, including complete denture techniques and ceramic denture techniques. During their fifth semester, students gain practical experience by working at off-campus laboratory sites.
</p><p>Students earn an A.A.S. degree by completing 75 hours of core and general education coursework. Four certificate options are offered in crown and bridge techniques, cast partial denture techniques, complete denture techniques and dental ceramic techniques.
</p><h3 id="section---PasadenaCityCollege">Pasadena City College</h3><p>Students of the Dental Laboratory Technology program at Pasadena City College can earn a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate in Science degree. A clinical experience in a lab setting is part of the program. Students will learn about dental materials, dental anatomy, advanced ceramics and dental lab management. To earn the associate's degree, students must complete a general education curriculum in addition to dental laboratory technology coursework.</p>