A Dental Lab is an establishment that produces a variety of products that assist licensed dentists in their efforts to improve the oral health of their patients. Some of the products manufactured by dental laboratories include dentures, bridges, and crowns. These products are used for a wide variety of oral health care procedures. In addition to the products manufactured by dental laboratories, these facilities also provide a variety of laboratory services.I strongly suggest you to visit Burbank Dental Lab-Dental Laboratory Near Me to learn more about this.
One of the first steps in establishing your own dental laboratory is choosing the space for your facility. The space should be in compliance with any regulatory requirements and be large enough to handle the volume of work you will be doing. Small and medium sized labs are difficult to organize and clean and won’t be safe for your employees. Choosing an adequate lab space is crucial to cost efficiency.
Dental laboratories often employ dental technicians to design and create oral fixtures that dentists have prescribed. While they do not need a college degree, they are still required to be duly licensed. Despite this, the job can be very rewarding, and it requires minimal education. While dental lab technicians are paid for their work, they also face many health risks such as exposure to infectious agents.
Among other tasks, dental laboratory technicians fabricate dental appliances and repair them. The technicians work closely with dentists to provide a vital service to the dental profession. Their work includes creating dental models, crowns, bridges, partial dentures, and dental alloys. They also work closely with dentists to select and use the correct materials and designs for the final prosthesis.
Dental lab technicians must possess excellent manual dexterity. They should be able to carve small details with accuracy. They should also be capable of working independently. Some of the skills they need are responsibility, time management, and soft skills. Finally, they should be educated and qualified to work in a dental laboratory.
A Dental Lab Technician’s duties include completing complex porcelain fused-to-metal restorations. Additionally, they may also oversee the work of other technicians and mentor them. A typical dental laboratory employs two to three technicians. They work 40 hours a week. They have their own workbenches and work with tools like electric waxers, grinding and polishing equipment, and hand instruments.
The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NADL) offers a credential program for dental laboratory technicians. It includes a hands-on practical examination and three written exams within four years. This program is recognized by the American Dental Association and is an excellent way to enhance the quality of a dental lab. In addition to obtaining this credential, a dental lab technician can choose to specialize in a specific area.
A dental lab technician’s training can be obtained at community colleges, junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and dental schools. Some dental lab technician programs are accredited by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBCDLT). Certification is required in Texas and South Carolina, and it can lead to higher wages.