Dental Laboratory

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Duties and Responsibilities:

Dental laboratory technicians specialize in different areas of dental and orthodontic work. Their jobs usually include making and repairing dentures, crowns, and braces. They work in dental schools, commercial dental laboratories, hospitals, dental clinics, and for manufacturers of dental prostheses Dental laboratory technicians:

• ·         Repair denture linings.
• ·         Choose and mount replacement teeth.
• ·         Construct denture frames.
• ·         Identify needed prostheses repairs.
• ·         Make and fix braces.
• ·         Cast plaster dental molds.
• ·         Clean and polish prostheses.

Average Salary: $22,000-$33,000

Educational Requirements:

Dental laboratory technicians must have a high school diploma or GED certificate before starting dental laboratory training.

Dental laboratory technicians must attend a community college, vocational school, or dental school to learn their skills. Programs are usually two years in length.

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Dental Hygienist

Duties and responsibilities:

Dental Hygienist provide preventive treatment for oral health problems. They also educate patients and promote dental health. They may be employed in health departments, nursing homes, hospitals, dental school, or school districts, but usually they work in private dental offices and clinics. Dental Hygienists:

• Screen patients for dentists. 
• Remove calculus and plaque from teeth.
• Take and develop radiographs. 
• Apply preventive treatments to teeth.
• Counsel patients on oral health and teach them appropriate dental health procedures. 
• Perform dental management duties. 

Average salary: $22,000-$35,000

Educational requirements: 

Dental hygienist must have a high school diploma or GED certificate before participating in dental hygiene education programs. 

Dental hygienists usually earn an associates degree at a community college or private school. To practice, they must also earn a license by passing the dental hygiene national board examination. 

Some hygienists earn Bachelor's or Master's degrees if they want to teach, do research, or broaden their scope into public wellness issues. 

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