51-9081.00Apprenticeship

Dental Laboratory Technicians

Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
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Technology Tools

Intuit QuickBooksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

  • Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
  • Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
  • Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
  • Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, or missing teeth to repair dentures.
  • Prepare metal surfaces for bonding with porcelain to create artificial teeth, using small hand tools.
  • Place tooth models on an apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
  • Apply porcelain paste or wax over prosthesis frameworks or setups, using brushes and spatulas.
  • Build and shape wax teeth, using small hand instruments and information from observations or dentists' specifications.
  • Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
  • Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework.
  • Mold wax over denture setups to form the full contours of artificial gums.
  • Create a model of patient's mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.
  • Train or supervise other dental technicians or dental laboratory bench workers.
  • Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes and pour materials into molds or over frameworks to form dental prostheses or apparatuses.
  • Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering irons and hand tools.
  • Prepare wax bite blocks and impression trays for use.
  • Fill chipped or low spots in surfaces of devices, using acrylic resins.
  • 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.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
60%
Time Management
56%
Critical Thinking
56%
Operations Monitoring
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Speaking
50%
Active Learning
50%
Active Listening
50%
Complex Problem Solving
50%
Monitoring
50%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Writing
47%
Quality Control Analysis
47%
Learning Strategies
47%
Coordination
44%
Operation and Control
44%
Instructing
44%
Persuasion
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
35%
Equipment Selection
35%
Negotiation
35%
Service Orientation
35%
Equipment Maintenance
31%
Troubleshooting
31%
Repairing
31%
Systems Analysis
31%
Science
28%
Mathematics
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Technology Design
22%
Operations Analysis
19%
Programming
6%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Administration and Management
70%
Design
70%
English Language
66%
Medicine and Dentistry
65%
Production and Processing
63%
Education and Training
62%
Customer and Personal Service
60%
Mechanical
54%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Engineering and Technology
46%
Chemistry
40%
Personnel and Human Resources
37%
Administrative
36%
Sales and Marketing
35%
Mathematics
29%
Fine Arts
25%
Economics and Accounting
24%
Telecommunications
23%
Physics
23%
Biology
21%
Communications and Media
20%
Public Safety and Security
20%
Building and Construction
18%
Transportation
17%
Psychology
16%
Law and Government
10%
Sociology and Anthropology
7%
History and Archeology
6%
Therapy and Counseling
5%
Foreign Language
4%
Geography
4%
Philosophy and Theology
3%
Food Production
3%

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Abilities

Near Vision
75%
Finger Dexterity
75%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
72%
Control Precision
72%
Visualization
66%
Deductive Reasoning
60%
Problem Sensitivity
60%
Information Ordering
60%
Written Comprehension
56%
Selective Attention
56%
Manual Dexterity
56%
Category Flexibility
53%
Speech Recognition
53%
Oral Comprehension
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Oral Expression
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Inductive Reasoning
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Fluency of Ideas
47%
Far Vision
44%
Written Expression
44%
Hearing Sensitivity
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Auditory Attention
41%
Originality
41%
Reaction Time
35%
Time Sharing
35%
Speed of Closure
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
28%
Depth Perception
28%
Trunk Strength
28%
Rate Control
28%
Memorization
28%
Static Strength
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Number Facility
25%
Spatial Orientation
22%
Response Orientation
22%
Extent Flexibility
16%
Dynamic Strength
13%
Sound Localization
10%
Night Vision
10%
Explosive Strength
10%
Peripheral Vision
10%
Glare Sensitivity
10%
Stamina
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Thinking Creatively
84%
Getting Information
81%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
78%
Processing Information
76%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
76%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
75%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
74%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
74%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
72%
Controlling Machines and Processes
70%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
70%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
69%
Training and Teaching Others
68%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
67%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
67%
Analyzing Data or Information
66%
Documenting/Recording Information
64%
Scheduling Work and Activities
63%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
63%
Handling and Moving Objects
62%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
61%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
57%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
57%
Coaching and Developing Others
56%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
55%
Developing and Building Teams
55%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
52%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
51%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
51%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
51%
Working with Computers
49%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
49%
Assisting and Caring for Others
45%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
45%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
44%
Performing Administrative Activities
41%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
41%
Selling or Influencing Others
41%
Performing General Physical Activities
35%
Staffing Organizational Units
30%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
24%

Work Context

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

95%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

95%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

93%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

93%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

89%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

86%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

86%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

85%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

85%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

80%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

77%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

77%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

69%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

69%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

66%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

65%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

63%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

62%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

59%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

59%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

58%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

56%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

56%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

55%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

55%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

55%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

52%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

52%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

48%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

46%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

43%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

42%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

41%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

35%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

28%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

26%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

25%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

24%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

24%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

23%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

23%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

18%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

14%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

13%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

9%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

7%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

7%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

7%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

5%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

2%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

2%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

1%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

1%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

1%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

52%

Post-secondary certificate

18%

Less than high school diploma

13%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

95

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

58

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

54

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

28

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

8

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Dependability
86%
Cautiousness
68%
Achievement Orientation
53%
Integrity
48%
Perseverance
47%
Innovation
34%
Stress Tolerance
32%
Intellectual Curiosity
28%
Self-Control
25%
Cooperation
24%
Self-Confidence
24%
Initiative
20%
Adaptability
13%
Sincerity
6%
Empathy
1%
Optimism
1%

Work Values

Support
72%
Independence
56%
Working Conditions
53%
Achievement
45%
Relationships
45%
Recognition
39%

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