A Dental Technician designs, makes and repairs dental appliances such as braces and dentures to bring a smile back to people's faces
Dental technicians manufacture precise, custom-made medical appliances including bridges, crowns, implants, and dentures. These are used to replace or repair people’s natural teeth, to prevent pain and discomfort, and to improve appearance.
The role requires a strong mix of science skills and knowledge, and creativity, as dental technicians need to achieve the same skill level as fine artists and understand the range of materials and mechanics involved in making the appliances. You could be the technician who brings a smile back to people’s faces, with medical appliances that fit perfectly and match their natural teeth shade and character as closely as possible.
As you learn your trade you will be part of a team, taking on individual elements of the manufacturing process and becoming an expert in the different tools you use.
In time, you may decide to set up your own laboratory, to help private and NHS dentists to meet their customers’ needs.
There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.
But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:
Options available after GCSEs:
More options available after that:
Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.
This is a physical role that involves making things with your hands for most of your working day. However, you will also use computers and software to support the modelling and detailing of the medical appliances you create. You’ll also get to meet customers at times, to make sure the fit, character, and colour of your technical work is absolutely spot on.
