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How Do I Become an Orthodontic Technician?
How Do I Become an Orthodontic Technician?
Explore the career requirements for orthodontic technicians. Get the facts about training and certification options, salary, and potential job growth to determine if this is the right career for you.
What Is an Orthodontic Technician?
As an orthodontic technician, you design and construct orthodontic appliances used to straighten teeth. Most orthodontic technicians work in laboratories, rather than directly with clients. The job often entails using a mold of a client's teeth to create whichever orthodontic appliance is requested by the orthodontist. You will need to know how to use the specific manufacturing and fine-tuning equipment to create these appliances, and you should be able to recognize imperfections or necessary repairs. Some orthodontist technicians do work directly with clients in orthodontic offices, making molds or assessing appliance fit. The following chart gives you an overview about entering this field.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> High school diploma; postsecondary programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> On-the-job training may be available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td> Dental laboratory technology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td> Professional certification in orthodontic appliances is available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 12% <i>for all dental laboratory technicians</i>*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $42,110 <i>for all dental laboratory technicians</i>*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeedToBecomeAnOrthodonticTechnician">What Skills Do I Need to Become an Orthodontic Technician?</h3><p>Orthodontic technicians may design retainers, clasps and positioners in a lab or create molds of teeth in an office. You'll use a variety of technologies and tools, such as computer-aided milling equipment, wax and metal. You should have good attention to detail and excellent manual dexterity; communication skills may also be beneficial when working in an office environment.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatQualificationsAndTrainingDoINeed">What Qualifications and Training Do I Need?</h3><p>Most orthodontic technicians are required to have at least a high school diploma and many learn the specifics of their job through on-the-job training; however, there are training programs that could help you train for this field. Formal training programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the American Dental Association (ADA) are offered by technical/vocational schools, community colleges and some universities. Dental lab technology programs can vary from 2-4 years in length.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCertificationsDoINeed">What Certifications Do I Need?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are no national certification or licensing requirements for dental or orthodontic lab technicians (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).Through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology there's a Certified Dental Technician (CDT) credential offered in six areas, including orthodontic appliances. You can qualify to take the CDT exam if you have five years of experience in dental technology or if you have completed an ADA-accredited training program (<i>www.nbccert.org</i>).
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlook">What Is the Job Outlook?</h3><p>The BLS reports that employment for dental lab technicians is expected to grow 12% between 2020 and 2030. In 2020, the BLS reported that the median salary of dental lab technicians was $42,110. Of the nearly 33,100 jobs held by dental lab technicians in 2020, approximately 25,480 were held in the medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>A dispensing optician will likely have a similar educational background and job duties to those of an orthodontic technician. However, dispensing opticians work in optometry offices to fit glasses and contact lenses for customers, rather than in an orthodontist's office or laboratory. Another potential career choice, if you are willing to earn at least an associate's degree, is medical equipment repair. Medical equipment repairers install or fix any type of diagnostic or patient treatment equipment.</p>
