HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A Canadian secondary-school student might take biology, chemistry, math, and computer-related courses, plus shop or design classes if available. After high school, many people enter a college or technical dental technology program, or a related program offered by an approved training school; exact names and lengths can vary by province and institution. Some employers may also value hands-on experience in a dental laboratory, where students or new workers learn to design, make, and repair dental devices under supervision. Because responsibilities can differ by workplace, further training or specialized experience may be needed for advanced or supervisory work.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Design, fabricate or repair dental devices including full or partial dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, clasps and bands, and implants
- May consult with dentists or other specialists on problematic dental cases
- May train and supervise other dental technicians or dental laboratory bench workers in fabricating dentures and other dental devices
- May perform supervisory and administrative functions for the dental laboratory.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Business ProceduresInterpersonal skillsMultidisciplinary teamwork