The Apprentice Doctor’s Blog

Dental technicians, also known as dental laboratory technicians are individuals trained to manufacture dental prosthetics like bridges, crowns, and dentures. Dental technicians have no face-to-face contact with dental patients. They follow a dentist’s written and verbal directives for a patient much like a pharmacist follows a doctor’s prescription when filling a medication.

Areas of responsibility

Although a dental technician rarely, if ever meets patients personally, they have a high degree of responsibility for patient care. Whatever they manufacture for the dentist has to fit correctly and conform precisely to a patient’s teeth, mouth, gums, etc.

Dental technicians will generally:

• Construct full and partial dentures.
• Fabricate:
  • Accurate models from dentist’s impressions.
  • Ceramic crowns using specific techniques.
  • Fix dental prostheses.
  • Restore implants.
  • Porcelain veneers for crowns.
• Maintain dental laboratory records.
• Prepare reports on laboratory activities.
• Trim and pour denture models.

Soft skills to be successful

As with all professions, dental technicians must possess certain soft skills and personal characteristics. Employers will look for them in a hiring interview because they know the more of these you have, the more successful you will be.

• Attention to Detail – You are working from a prescription for a specific patient and must follow it exactly.
• Critical thinking skills – Everyday won’t be perfect. You will encounter problems and must be able to evaluate solutions and pick the best one.
• Interpersonal skills – In some cases you are working in a team environment and must get along with other people.
• Listening skills – Most medical professionals must be able to listen to what is said, and what isn’t mentioned. A dental lab technician is no different.
• Manual Dexterity – In this job you are working with your hands since you are, technically, building items for patient use.
• Reading Comprehension – You will be working from written documents, so must be able to understand what they mean.
• Time Management Skills – Items needed for dental patients must be delivered on time.

Dental technician educational paths

Most employers provide on-the-job training for dental technicians. You can also get formal instruction at some community colleges and technical schools. But beyond on-the-job training, there are additional levels of education.

Certificates

There are two types of dental laboratory technology certificates. Certificates are not considered “academic” because those programs do not contain general education courses. But you are in school for less time and can enter the job market quickly.

The curriculum for the first type of certification focuses exclusively on your technical and applied course work. It will prepare you to take the Certified Dental Technician (CDT) exam.

The second certificate is more introductory in nature and is a good place to start if you are exploring the field but aren’t sure if it’s the right one for you. It’s also a reasonable choice if you plan on acquiring employment that offers on-the-job training. The downside is that it does not prepare you to take the CDT exam.

If you are still in high school and are interested in this profession, it is a good idea to take courses in computers, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.

Coursework for certificates may include:

• Dental materials.
• Fixed prosthodontics.
• Full dentures and partial dentures.
• Introduction to dental technology.
• Occlusion (how the upper and lower teeth come in contact with each other).

Some of these courses may transfer into an associate degree program.

Associate degree

An associate degree in dental lab technology is an academic degree and will have general education courses that may include English, sociology, psychology, math, etc. Concentration courses will be specific to dental technology and will provide information on:

• Dental anatomy and physiology.
• Ethics.
• History of dentistry.
• Techniques for dentures.

In addition to foundational subjects, an associate degree program generally covers five specialties: ceramics, crowns and bridges, partial/complete dentures and orthodontic appliances. Sometimes, toward the end of the program, you may be permitted to enroll in elective courses to complete a specialization. In that instance, an associate degree may be conferred along with a specialization certificate. Specialization courses that could lead to an additional certification could be:

• Dental ceramics.
• Crafting removable prosthodontics.
• Making crowns and bridges.
• Orthodontic appliances for children.
• Orthodontic prosthetics materials.

Associate degree programs take anywhere from 18-24 months to complete.

Bachelor’s degree

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in dental laboratory sciences is another possible path to follow. If you have an associate degree, it’s possible you can enter with advanced standing, which means you may be able to transfer in courses you’ve already taken.

The curriculum in a bachelor program is intensive. It is cumulative in that it starts with fundamental and foundational courses that build upon each other. They become increasingly complex, culminating in highly specialized knowledge and skills.

If you go directly into a bachelor’s degree program, you will need a high school degree. Some schools may require standardized test scores such as the ACT or SAT. Occasionally a background check is required.

Courses are offered in subjects such as:

• Advanced fixed prosthodontics.
• Applied laboratory management.
• Ceramics.
• Complete dentures.
• Dental materials science.
• Orthodontic laboratory.

Dental technician specialty areas

As a dental technician, you can work as a generalist where you will work in a wide variety of dental areas. Or you can choose to specialize. Specializations are:

• Prosthodontics technicians – Design and make dentures.
• Orthodontic technicians – Design and make braces.
• Conservation technicians – Focuses on crown and bridge work.
• Maxillo-facial technicians – Help in reconstructing faces which have undergone trauma.

Licensing and certification

Certification is possible, although voluntary. However, certification may make you a more desirable job candidate. The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology is the independent board founded by the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) and offers the Certified Dental Technician credential (CDT). To earn this certification, you will have to take a three-part exam that demonstrates your knowledge and skills. Two sections are written, and one is practical. You may sit for the sections in any order, but all must be passed within four years from the date you pass your first section.

Continuing education

An advanced certificate in dental laboratory sciences is also available to help update and maintain your professional proficiency. Talking continuing education classes consistently throughout your career will keep you current with advances in dental medicine and enhance your value as an employee.

Job outlook for dental technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2017, dental technicians earn a median annual salary of $37,670, or $18.59 per hour. Most work is full time in small laboratories. Between now and 2026, the occupation is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations.

If you are interested in dental medicine but prefer to work behind the scenes, becoming a dental technician may be a good fit for you. But if you like more interaction with patients, you may be more interested in becoming a dental assistant or a dental hygienist.

A dental hygienist is a career move one step beyond a dental assistant and works directly with patients. A dental assistant is a basic entry-level position and doesn’t work directly with patients. If you’ve ever gone to the dentist, you probably spent more time with a dental hygienist than you did with the dentist. A hygienist is the person who cleans your teeth, talks to you about oral care and, undoubtedly, reminds you, yet again, about the importance of flossing.

For any number of reasons, lots of people are afraid of the dentist. Some get their teeth cleaned twice a year regardless of their fear. Others are so scared that they never go.

One of our colleagues recently had her teeth cleaned and talked to her dental hygienist, Tabitha, about the fear people had of dentists. She said, “Older patients are more afraid than younger ones. As dental care, and tools, improve, people don’t have as traumatic experiences growing up, so their perception of dentists and hygienists is much different.”

Even if patients are completely unafraid, good hygienists empathize with them and take great care to be gentle and supportive while still doing their job. Although everyone appreciates the knowledge and capabilities of dentists, it’s the front line people who spend the most time with patients.

Do you think you’d like to be a dental hygienist? Not only is it an excellent entry-level position, it also has an education and career path that most people can insert into their daily lives.

Definition

Dental hygienists work alongside dentists, orthodontists and other professionals in the field of dentistry. During training, you’ll learn to use the tools needed to clean and polish teeth. Depending upon where you work, you may use more traditional tools like scrapers. But in highly technical offices you may use ultrasonic, power and laser devices.

Typical duties

Working cooperatively with and under the supervision of a dentist, a significant portion of your day will be spent cleaning and polishing patients’ teeth and educating them about oral health care. In smaller offices, you may also take and develop X-rays, update medical histories and document a patient’s treatment along with any new and ongoing issues. Most offices now enter data directly into a computer while interacting with the patient, so having a high degree of comfort working with technology is vital to your success.

Characteristics

As a dental hygienist, you must possess compassion, patience, and understanding. You also need the following characteristics. . .

• Attention to detail.
• Critical thinking.
• Highly motivated and dependable.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Leadership potential.
• Listening Skills.
• Manual Dexterity.
• Outstanding telephone and customer service etiquette skills.
• Persuasive.
• Reading comprehension.
• Strong communication, organization skills, and customer follow up.
• Time management.
• Work ethic.

Training/education

To become a dental hygienist you will need an associate degree. Within the program, you’ll learn quite a bit about patient care. You will be able to enhance your critical thinking, and problem-solving skills which are essential when providing direct patient care since some of your work will be independent of the dentist. Your program will combine laboratory, clinical, and classroom instruction.

Earning a dental hygienist associate’s degree will prepare you to work with patients from various backgrounds and teach you how to interact with different healthcare professionals.

In addition to dental and science courses, you’ll also encounter liberal arts courses. Classes such as English composition and public speaking will give you a well-rounded experience and prepare you for the working world.

To enter a dental hygiene associate’s degree program, students are usually required to complete a certain number of prerequisite courses with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. The topics can range from science to communications.

• Anatomy and physiology
• Dental anatomy
• Head and neck anatomy
• Introduction to dental hygiene
• Medical ethics
• Microbiology and immunology
• Nutrition
• Pathology
• Patient/pain management
• Periodontics
• Pharmacology for dental health
• Radiology

If you have an associate’s degree, or even a certificate, and want to advance your career in both opportunities and wages, you can enroll in a degree-completion program. Such a program allows for a hygienist, with about two additional years of education to obtain a baccalaureate degree. To be accepted, you must have a license to practice and possess a minimum 2.5 grade point average in your previous degree program.

Many programs are offered online or in a hybrid format to cater to those hygienists who are already working in the field. This type of curriculum delivery allows you to study and take exams when it is most convenient for you. Many of these programs are considered post-licensure which means you won’t be required to fulfill clinical requirements. A curriculum focused on leadership skills will familiarize you with evidence-based practice and public health dentistry.

Licenses/certifications/registrations

Once you are a graduate of an accredited dental hygienist program, you must take a licensure exam. Each state has slightly different requirements, so contact your state dental board to find out what your state requires. It’s likely you’ll need to be CPR-certified and undergo a background check. As with most medical professionals, you will have to participate in continuing education courses throughout your career. Such courses keep you updated in new methods of dental hygiene, new technology, and further evidence of how good oral health contributes to good overall bodily health.

Alternative careers for dental hygienists

If you enjoy working in the field of dental medicine, but don’t want to work as a hygienist, there are other careers you can pursue with a graduate degree. With additional education, you can work in one of three primary areas

Corporate

• Corporate trainer.
• Dental insurance officer.
• Dental office manager.
• Hospital or nursing home consultant.
• Sales in pharmaceuticals or dental supplies.

Education

• Classroom or clinical instructor.
• Dean of a dental or medical education program.
• Dental hygiene program director.
• Education researcher.

Public Health

• Community clinic administrator.
• Local/state dental public health officer.

All of these career alternatives require a master’s, or graduate degree program which can take between one and two years to complete. In addition to coursework, you may have to do a capstone demonstrating your mastery of concepts and applications you learned throughout your program. You may also have to do additional research in a specific area of dental hygiene that most closely relates to your interest.
If you choose to continue your education, you can apply to a masters-level dental hygiene program. Minimum requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or related field.
• 3.0 or higher grade point average.
• Current, unencumbered dental hygiene license.
• College transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Scores from the graduate record exam.

Some schools require personal essays, statement of interest, and even your professional resume to be submitted along with your application for admission.

If your interest in dentistry is high enough, you may choose to become a dentist. You will be in school in a minimum of eight years.

Wages and job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2017, the estimated job growth for dental hygienists between 2016 and 2026 is 20%, which is much faster than the national average. The median annual salary is $74,070, which breaks down to $35.61 an hour.

As the population ages, the demand for dental services will increase, especially as research continues to link oral health to overall health.

As a dental assistant, you’ll work as a member of a dental health team and assist dentists in all phases of dentistry. Unlike dental hygienists, who work directly with patients, dental assistants work directly for the dentist. They are normally chair side and help with procedures at the direction of the dentist.

Becoming a dental assistant is one of the fastest ways you can enter the world of dental medicine. You can complete most programs in less than a year. When you finish your training, you will be able to confidently tell any employer you can:

• Use the terminology, equipment and materials commonly encountered in most dental offices.
• Assist the dentist, other members of the dental healthcare team and dental patients in the delivery of quality dental health care.
• Apply your education to the effective administration of a dental office.
• Perform as an ethical professional in any dental setting, with the ability to exhibit sound reasoning and effective communication in an increasingly diverse world.

Typical responsibilities

Although a a dental assistant is an entry-level position, it is one of the most important roles in a dental office. The required duties are comprehensive and span the inner workings of any dental office or clinic. Regulations may restrict certain tasks from state to state, but most will include the following responsibilities:

• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures.
• Clean dentures, take impressions of patients’ teeth and perform other assigned lab procedures.
• Engage with patients and suppliers by scheduling appointments or ordering supplies.
• Follow infection control procedures.
• Greet patients and show them to exam rooms putting them at ease as you do.
• Perform office management tasks such as updating records, scheduling and filing.
• Prepare instrument trays.
• Take and develop dental x-rays (radiographs).
• Take a patient’s medical history.

Although not all dentists use assistants at chair side, if the procedure they are performing is complex, you may be there to hand them instruments and perform other duties that create more efficiency.

During your training you will also learn how to take vital signs and sometimes be asked to take them before patients see the dentist or hygienist. Even patients who come in for cleanings could have elevated blood pressures and racing hearts. Dentists want patients to be as calm as possible, and part of your job will be to sooth fraying nerves.

Although hygienists educate patients on oral care, in some offices this may be your job. You will instruct people on how to brush, floss and gargle..

Characteristics

As in most fields of medical care, you are dealing with people who are anxious or don’t feel good. Even though you report directly to the dentist, you may still have to interact with the clientele. Employers will be looking for individuals who can:

• Communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate sufficient manual dexterity to grasp and manipulate small tools.
• Listen and respond appropriately.
• Observe and record details accurately.
• Organize efficiently.

One thing that is important to understand when working in any medical profession is that you are part of a team. While you’re an assistant, be eager to participate, take initiative, and become a reliable go-to person. By doing so you will quickly become an integral part of the office staff.

Education

Most dental assistant programs are a year or less in duration. Some schools offer accelerated programs that you could complete in six to nine months.

Your local community college or vocational school may offer a dental assisting program. It’s also possible that a larger dental office in your area will provide training as part of their overall services. Programs like these allow you earn while you learn.

Other than a high school degree or equivalent, there are no pre-requisites for entering a dental assistant training program.

In a certificate program, general education courses are minimal. Concentration courses focus on:

• Anatomy and physiology.
• Chairside assisting.
• Dental administrative practices.
• Dental materials.
• Dental radiologic techniques.
• Head and neck anatomy.
• Medical terminology with a focus on dental terms and vocabulary.

Most training programs also require you to complete a certain number of hours in a dental practice applying the theory you have learned in the program. Most externships are unpaid, but sometimes lead to permanent employment.

Differences between a dental assistant and dental hygienist

You may be wondering what the difference is between a dental assistant and dental hygienist.

The answer depends upon your resources and how quickly you want to get into the field. If you want to enter dental medicine as soon as possible, your best option is to enroll in a one-year dental assistant program. If your eventual goal is to become a dental hygienist, you can continue your education while working as an assistant. Some employers may even pay your tuition costs.

Each role provides a vital function in dental offices. If you would rather not interact with patients directly, your better option is to be a dental assistant, although the wages aren’t as high.

The following chart gives you a quick snapshot of the differences between the two positions.

Certification

Although you don’t have to become certified, if you do it demonstrates to potential employers that you can perform up to the standards expected by dentists and their patients. By becoming certified, you add value to your training that non-certified candidates won’t have.

To become certified, you’ll have to take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) exam offered through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). To be eligible to take the assessment, you must have completed a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). By visiting their website you can find a CODA-accredited program in your area.

If you are not a graduate of a formal accredited program, but were trained on the job, you can take the national certification exam after you have completed two years of full-time work experience as a dental assistant.

Because state regulations vary, you may be required to be registered or licensed in addition to securing national certification.

Career Opportunities

It isn’t unusual that a practice hires more than one dental assistant, so you may find employment opportunities to be plentiful. Careers exist at:

• Group practitioner dental practices.
• Public health dentistry (schools and clinics).
• Single practitioner dental practices.
• Specialty practices (e.g. orthodontics, pediatric, etc.).

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), roles in dental assisting are projected to grow 19% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Continuing research linking general health with oral health has resulted in increased the demand for preventive dental services and is the primary explanation for the quick growth.

Wages

The median annual wage for dental assistants was $37,630 in May 2017, $18.09 per hour.

The field of dental medicine doesn’t appeal to everyone. But if you want to work within a mission dedicated to improving people’s oral health care, then becoming a dental assistant may be a good career for you.Becoming a Dental Assistant

Many years ago, before everyone had a cell phone, a friend of mine put a little sign next to her landline that read, “Stress is when your gut says no and your mouth says yes.” She did that because she had a hard time saying no to any request. The pressure of having too much to do created so much stress, she couldn’t sleep at night. She eventually learned to say no, but given life in contemporary society, we all have to cope with more and more stress which takes its toll on our heart health.

Think about a typical day in your life. Someone cuts you off on the highway. You drop your favorite mug, and it shatters on the floor. Your dog decides he needs to go out at 1:00 a.m., interrupting your sleep. Maybe you needed to get gas and are now running late for work. You forgot a password, your computer froze up, or your oil light comes on.

All of these can put us into fight or flight anxiety. But there is no one to really fight, and you can’t really run away. The result is stress. Do you react in a calm matter and brush off these awkward, sometimes irritating moments? Or do they frustrate you to the point where you almost hear your heart pounding in your ears?

Small events may feel minor, but depending upon your personality, they could take a more significant toll on your body than you think. Stress does have an impact on our hearts. Did you know that earthquakes and Mondays double the incidence of heart attacks? Are you aware that heart disease kills men three times more than usual in the year following a wife’s death?

While stress alone can impact your heart, feeling stress can lead to behaviors that increase your risk of heart disease. Examples are smoking, drinking, binge eating and skipping your regular exercise routine.

But stress is not the only condition that can hurt your heart.

What creates good heart health?

There are five steps you can take to improve your heart health which can reduce your risk of heart disease, all of which encompass lifestyle changes. A lot of people will try to make the changes one at a time, which is a valid approach. But by adopting them piecemeal, there’s a chance you won’t make all the changes. But if you immerse yourself in them all at once, you will find yourself energized and feeling better sooner.

Exercise
If you see the word “exercise” and shudder, you’re not alone. There are a lot of reasons people have for not exercising, yet it is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve your heart health. You don’t have to spend hours in a gym. Thirty minutes a day of walking goes a long way to improving your cardio conditioning and muscle tone. If you can do it without looking at your phone the entire time, it’s even better.

Lose Weight
Losing weight is not about dieting. It’s about changing how, what, and sometimes when you eat. When your weight increases, so does your risk for plaque build-up in your arteries, which can lead to a heart attack, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Stop smoking
Even if you smoke, including pot, you probably know it’s not the best habit. Smoking puts you at risk for developing heart disease as well as many other conditions such as lung and kidney cancer. Think about what you’re doing when you smoke. You are intentionally breathing in smoke. Would you go into a burning building to do that? Of course not. So why take breaks during the day to do the same thing? Stop cold turkey or try any number of products on the market that can help you cut back and eventually eliminate this habit.

Reduce your blood pressure
To minimize your risk of a heart attack or congestive heart failure, lower your blood pressure. Your blood pressure may have been excellent in the past, but guidelines have changed. Check to be sure yours falls at or below 120/80.

Reduce cholesterol
I think almost everyone knows lowering cholesterol levels is one strategy to reducing your risk of heart disease. The first thing to do is to eat heart-healthy foods. Eating fewer saturated fats, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products is a good start. But by exercising, not smoking and losing weight, you can also lower your cholesterol.

Signs of heart disease

Although you can help yourself stay heart-healthy in many ways, genetics do play a part. As such, you can do everything right and still develop a heart problem. Your best defense is early detection.

Early heart disease is often asymptomatic but can be detected through routine check-ups with your healthcare professional.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your physician right away. It doesn’t mean you have heart disease. It only indicates you should double check.

• Chest pain during physical activity but subsides when you rest.
• Cold sweats.
• Confusion.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches.
• Inability to engage in your usual activities.
• Nausea/vomiting.
• Pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.
• Reduced ability to exercise or be physically active.
• Shortness of breath when active, at rest, or while lying flat.
• Swelling in your extremities, stomach, and/or neck.
• Tiredness or fatigue.

Another sign of a heart problem is an arrhythmia, which is a serious condition needing immediate treatment. Symptoms of arrhythmia are:

• Dizziness.
• Fluttering in your chest.
• Heart skips a beat or beats too hard.
• Shortness of breath.
• Weakness.

If you experience any of symptoms or a combination of them it is vital you contact your physician right away.

Age may make you more susceptible to heart problems

The older you get, the more susceptible you are to heart problems. As you age, you undergo changes in the heart and blood vessels that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Your heart can be aging, but still be healthy. Nevertheless, it will experience changes like other areas of your body. For example, when you grow older, your skin becomes thinner and loses a certain amount of elasticity. Your eyes can be healthy, but not see as well once you turn 40. All of this is normal and natural, and many of us go to great lengths to minimize the effects of getting older.

Our understanding of how the aging, cardiovascular system leads to heart disease has advanced tremendously over the past 30 years. The medical community is now able to pinpoint risk factors that can contribute to cardiovascular disease. It can also determine how a healthy lifestyle can influence what is termed the “rate of aging.” In other words, while you cannot stop aging, you can slow down its effects.

The aging of other bodily systems, including the muscles, kidneys, and lungs, also contributes to heart disease. One system can possibly impact another and research is being conducted to determine how much. Findings could lead to new treatment methods.

Scientists are researching interventions that can slow the aging of the heart, thus preventing or delaying the onset of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

Women and heart disease

In the last 10 years, there has been a push to increase women’s awareness of heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of the women in the United States will die of heart disease, making it the number one cause of death in women.

Because women are at such high risk for suffering from heart disease, it’s best to control the factors that you can. In addition to taking the steps previously outlined, you can also make the following adjustments in your lifestyle. Even if you aren’t a female, these hold true for everyone.

• Eat foods that your body can absorb nutritionally.
• Manage diabetes.
• Minimize alcohol use.
• Sustain a healthy weight.

Signs of heart disease in women are not the same as in men and are often subtle, or silent. Sometimes the first symptom is a severe event such as a heart attack or stroke. The CDC recommends watching for the following:

• Back pain.
• Burning or other pain and discomfort in the chest.
• Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, or upper abdomen.

The most straightforward way to prevent heart disease is by staying informed about prevention and treatment. But the most immediate action you can is adopting a healthier lifestyle. The sooner you incorporate some of the practices designed to keep your heart healthy, the better you will feel.