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Dental Ceramist |
Career OverviewSometimes referred to as a ceramics technician or dental laboratory technician, a dental ceramist is a specially trained member of the dental profession. Their role is create and maintain a range of dental prostheses, including crowns, bridges, and tooth facings according to the specifications prescribed by dentists.
Dental ceramists work in laboratories around the country; commercial laboratories, dental school laboratories, hospital laboratories, and special laboratories for prosthetic manufacturing. In general, dental ceramists have good employment prospects and enjoy relative stability in their full-time positions. They are key members of the dental health care team, serving both patients and dentists.
Providing quality prostheses, dental ceramists serve patients indirectly and dentists directly. They receive impressions or moulds, and written instructions from dentists. From these elements, dental ceramists design various different types of prostheses; full form dentures for those without any teeth, partial dentures or fixed bridges for those who have one or more missing teeth, and crows for teeth that need to be restored to their original shape and size. They also design orthodontics for patients who need to have their teeth straightened.
Dental ceramists use porcelain or acrylic paste to cover metal frameworks for crowns, bridges, and tooth facing. They may mix porcelain or acrylic paste according to prescription to recreate the color of a patient’s natural teeth. They apply layers of mixtures using brushes and spatulas, and place the dentures in furnaces to harden.
Precision and attention to detail are desirable qualities in dental ceramists given the technicality of these activities. Most dental ceramists work full-time and receive standard benefits and competitive salaries for their work. Employment opportunities are quite favorable at present and are expected to remain so for the foreseeable future.
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Career RequirementsDental ceramists typically complete a two year training program at an accredited dental technology school. To enter into any such program, candidates are required to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Another route, on-the-job training is also offered to some candidates for dental ceramist positions, but several years training is generally required before competence in the field is attained.
Certification in the field is optional and offered through the National Board of Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology. The exam evaluates a candidate’s technical skill and their knowledge of dental ceramics. To be eligible to take the exam, those with degrees in dental technology must also have two years work experience; those without degrees must have five years of experience in the field.
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Job OutlookAlthough there has been a dramatic decline in the need for dentures in light of the increase in successful root canal therapy treatments, there is a still a strong need for replacement crowns and partial remains. Also affecting the industry are the typically low salaries offered to trainees within the field, which make it difficult to fill the positions, fueling quite a high demand.
The career opportunities are expected to be average to above average during the next ten year period, but a career as a dental ceramics remains a viable option because experience in this field offer many opportunities for advancement within dentistry and related business field.
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Career TrackDental ceramists can advance to supervisory positions within the laboratory in which they work. With relevant experience and management skills, dental ceramists may be eligible for promotion to administrative positions as well, but these positions tend to be awarded to those with at least five years experience.
Other dental ceramists choose to apply business acumen and opt either to open their own laboratory to manufacture dental ceramics, or to sell manufacturing equipment and instruments to other dental ceramics laboratories.
Dental ceramists may also decide to train as dental assistants or hygienists if they have an interest in dentistry.
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CompensationThe income for dental ceramists ranges between $23,000 a year and $35,000 a year, depending on experience, qualifications, and place of employment. Many employers also offer standard benefits, including medical and dental insurance coverage.
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