Dental Technician | Milwaukee Area Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-9081.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingTime ManagementOperations MonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingActive ListeningActive Learning

Knowledge

DesignAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageMedicine and DentistryProduction and Processing

Abilities

Finger DexterityNear VisionArm-Hand SteadinessControl PrecisionVisualizationProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingWritten ComprehensionSelective Attention

Tasks

Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of de
Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and
Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances
Meet with dentists or patients to discuss dental appliances.
Order parts or materials needed to make dental appliances.
Scan dental models to create digital files.
Stain porcelain on dental appliances to match the color of patients' teeth.

Technology

Accounting softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

Acrylic cuttersAdjustable articulatorsAir compressorsAir scribesAmalgam dispensersAmalgam instrumentsAnatomic articulatorsArcon articulatorsArticulatorsAuto chucksBuild-up brushesBunsen burnersCasting torchesClinical scalesConventional lathes

Work Values

SupportIndependenceWorking ConditionsAchievementRelationshipsRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-9081.00	Dental Laboratory Technicians	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Diploma)

Dental prescriptions and case specifications — review independently to determine appropriate design approaches for common prostheses including full and partial dentures.
Acrylic, porcelain, and metal alloy materials — mix and pour into molds or over frameworks with routine proficiency to produce dental prostheses with minimal rework.
Crowns, bridges, and inlays — fabricate or repair using established laboratory techniques with reduced oversight in a production dental laboratory setting.
Polishing machines and finishing equipment — operate routinely to remove excess porcelain or metal and achieve acceptable surface finish on completed prostheses.
Articulators and occlusal evaluation tools — use to place and assess tooth models for functional bite accuracy across standard case types.
Micrometre readings and specification tolerances — apply to test completed appliances for dimensional conformance before case submission.
CAD software interfaces — navigate to support the design of basic prosthetic components under periodic supervision from a senior technician.
Time management strategies — apply to prioritize a daily caseload and meet laboratory turnaround deadlines with routine dependability.
New bench workers and trainees — demonstrate standard procedures and material handling techniques under the direction of a laboratory supervisor.
Inventory management software — use to track laboratory supplies and flag reorder needs, ensuring uninterrupted production workflow.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.