Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants – NOC : 3223

Unit Group

3223 Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants

Dental technologists and technicians design, prepare and fabricate dentures and dental devices as prescribed by dentists and other specialists. Dental laboratory assistants assist dental technologists and technicians in preparing and fabricating dentures and other dental devices. They are employed in dental laboratories. Dental technologists and technicians who are supervisors are included in this unit group.

Example Titles

ceramic denture moulder

dental laboratory assistant

dental technician

dental technician supervisor

dental technologist

denture finisher

denture wax pattern former

orthodontic band maker

registered dental technician

registered dental technologist

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Main duties

Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants perform some or all of the following duties:

Design, fabricate or repair dental devices including full or partial dentures, orthodontic appliances, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, clasps and bands, and implants
Prepare plaster models and moulds from dental impressions
Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays
Cast gold or metal alloys for bridges and denture bases
Pack plastic material in moulds to form full or partial dentures
Mould wax over denture set-up to form full contours of artificial gums
Make orthodontic bands from gold, silver, stainless steel or other metals
Finish metal framework of dentures and polish and buff dentures to obtain natural finish
May consult with dentists or other specialists on problematic dental cases
May train and supervise other dental technicians and dental laboratory assistants in fabricating dentures and other dental devices
May perform administrative functions for the dental laboratory.

Employment requirements

Dental technologists and technicians are required to complete a college program in dental technology
or
Four or more years of on-the-job training under the supervision of a registered dental technologist or technician.
Registration with a regulatory body is required for dental technologists and technicians in all provinces except in Manitoba and the territories.
Dental laboratory assistants usually require secondary school and up to two years of on-the-job training.

Additional information

Dental laboratory assistants may progress to dental technologist and technician positions with training, experience and registration.

Classified elsewhere

Dental assistants (3411)
Dental hygienists and dental therapists (3222)
Denturists (3221)