Dental Technician
しかぎこうし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Medical Technicians
- Minor : Dental Technicians
Summary
Specialized profession that fabricates and processes dental prosthetics and orthodontic appliances based on dentists' instructions.
Description
Dental technicians are specialists who fabricate and process prosthetics such as dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances from patients' oral models based on dentists' prescriptions. In addition to traditional techniques such as waxing-up, investing, casting, and polishing, digital prosthetics using CAD/CAM and 3D printers have become widespread in recent years. Precision and aesthetics are required, making understanding of material properties and color matching techniques important. Workplaces include in-house labs at clinics and specialized dental laboratories, and it is also possible to work independently as a freelancer.
Future Outlook
With an aging society, demand for prosthetics remains stable. Adoption of CAD/CAM and digital technologies is progressing, increasing the importance of digital dental prosthetics skills. Job demand remains strong due to labor shortages.
Personality Traits
Excellent Aesthetic Sense / Highly Focused / Methodical / Patient
Work Style
Dental Laboratory / Freelance / Hospital Dentistry / Remote Possible
Career Path
Dental Laboratory Employment → Chief Technician → Laboratory Manager → Independent (Freelance)
Required Skills
CAD/CAM Operation / Investing and Casting Technique / Model Fabrication / Polishing Technique / Wax Application Technique
Recommended Skills
3D Printer Operation / Microscope / Scanner Operation / Shade Matching Technique
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because micron-level precision is required. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Required because an aesthetic sense to reproduce the shape and shade of individual teeth is needed. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because advanced mathematical calculations are hardly necessary. |
Related Qualifications
- Dental Technician National Examination
Related Jobs
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dentist
- Orthotist and Prosthetist