Dental technician

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Dental technician

A Dental technician (pronunciation: /ˈdɛn.təl tɛkˈnɪʃ.ən/) is a member of the dental team who, upon prescription from a dental clinician, constructs custom-made restorative and dental appliances.

Etymology

The term "dental technician" is derived from the Greek words "dent" meaning tooth, and "technikos" meaning skilled in or pertaining to an art, craft, or science.

Role and Responsibilities

A dental technician is skilled in the design, manufacture, and repair of dental prosthetics. These can include dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, and orthodontic appliances. They work closely with dentists and orthodontists to ensure that each appliance is tailored to the individual patient's needs.

Education and Training

To become a dental technician, one must complete a program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. These programs typically take two years to complete and culminate in an associate degree. After graduation, technicians may choose to specialize in areas such as ceramics, orthodontics, or implantology.

Related Terms

  • Dental Prosthetics: Artificial devices that replace missing teeth.
  • Dentures: A removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.
  • Dental Crowns: A tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.
  • Dental Bridges: A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap.
  • Dental Implants: Surgical fixture that is placed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone over the span of a few months.
  • Orthodontic Appliances: Devices that are used to correct malocclusion and restore the teeth to proper alignment and function.

External links

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