Dental technician
A dental technician is part of the dental team who fabricates dental appliances dentures, crown and bridgework, and other devices such as mouthguards and splints. The technician will be skilled in working with gold, precious metals, dental porcelain, acrylics, and recently CAD/CAM, in order to custom manufacture devices that will exactly fit a patient. In some jurisdictions the activity is a designated health profession due to the intrinsic risk of harm when a dental appliance is fabricated incorrectly. Dentists are no longer taught how to fabricate dental appliances to any great extent and depend on the skill and knowledge the dental technician brings with regard to materials used, evaluation of clinical design and to the fabrication process generally.
Normally educated to degree level at a post secondary facility. The profession attracts artistic, detail orientated individuals who have a flare for this unique combination of science, art, and digital dexterity.
Degree courses contain a strong element of material science and practical skills in working the tools of the dental technician's profession.