Dentists have been sought after by human society since ancient times. With the development of science, technology and the emergence of new materials, this profession began to include a number of specializations. So, modern dentistry consists of such areas as therapy, surgery, prosthetics, etc. Recently, the dental technician is becoming more and more popular. We’ll talk about what such specialists are doing today.
What is a dental technician?
Answering this question in general terms, we can say that this specialist is engaged in the manufacture of dentures at the laboratory stages. The dental technician works in close cooperation with the dentist, orthopedist who makes dental impressions and sets prostheses or implants, as well as with the patient himself. If at first glance it seems that there is nothing complicated in this matter, then upon a detailed examination it turns out that the entire success of prosthetics depends on the skill and professionalism of this specialist. Recently, there has been a rapid development of dental technology, prosthetics, and materials. Thanks to this, the profession of "dental technician" is more than relevant, and in this regard, well-paid. In addition, this specialization has social significance, returning patients health and self-confidence.
What exactly do profession representatives do?
Since a dental technician is a person engaged in the manufacture and repair of dentures, implants, maxillofacial and orthodontic appliances, his duties include a wide range of work. Among them are the following:
- manufacture of a model of a patient’s tooth based on an impression made by an orthodontist;
- the choice of material and design for the future prosthesis or implant;
- modeling (first from wax, and then from metal or cermets);
- manufacture of a tooth model;
- the creation of both removable and non-removable, as well as clasp prostheses, implants;
- manufacture of orthodontic and maxillofacial devices;
- decoration and repair of dentures.
What qualities should a specialist in this field have?
For the dental technician, as well as for other specialists in various fields, there is a list of professionally significant criteria that he must meet. Here are the main ones:
- highly developed motor skills of fingers and hands;
- a high level of development of hand-eye coordination;
- the presence of a good eye;
- the ability to clearly distinguish colors and their smallest shades;
- the presence of aesthetic taste;
- the presence of visual-figurative thinking and spatial imagination;
- accuracy and accuracy;
- penchant for manual labor;
- perseverance.
In which cases it is not possible to become a dental technician
For this profession, there are a number of medical contraindications:
- total hearing loss;
- partial hearing loss, accompanied by severe speech underdevelopment;
- brain injuries with a traumatic nature;
- the presence of chronic infectious diseases;
- diseases or injuries to the hands;
- dermatitis and other skin ailments;
- severe speech impairment;
- nervous and mental illness;
- violation of coordination of movement of fingers and hands, tremor;
- mental and behavioral disorders;
- epilepsy;
- mental retardation;
- visual impairment.
Dental Technician: Training
If you decide to devote yourself to this profession, then proper education can be obtained in secondary specialized medical educational institutions (colleges). In addition, you can learn how to become a dental technician in specialized educational medical centers and advanced training courses.
Salary and prospects
Each dental technician's career develops depending on his chosen direction and the development of new working methods, as well as, of course, on his ambitions and aspirations. Every day the young specialist is improving his skills more and more, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge.
Upon reaching a certain level of professionalism, you can go on advanced training and get a certificate from an orthodontist dentist. Or, as an option, to master managerial skills and become a leading specialist. If you have an entrepreneurial vein, you can open your own business. Of course, it will not be easy, but your favorite pastime can bring considerable income.
For many young people who want to try their hand at the profession of "dental technician", salary plays an important role. Therefore, we note that on average, specialists in this field can count on income from 30 to 80 thousand rubles per month. As for the demand, then in connection with the growing interest in specialists in this field with a job, there should not be any problems.