Career Description

As a key part of the dental industry, dental technologists build a range of dental prostheses, including crowns, veneers, retainers and full and partial dentures. Since no two patients are the same, each device dental technologists produce must be custom made for one person. Using information provided by dentists, including molds and impressions of people’s mouths, dental technologists design and build prosthetic devices that will help improve their patients’ overall oral health.

Dental technologists work with different materials, including wax, plastic, stainless steel, precious and non-precious metals, porcelain, composites and polymer glass combinations. They also use sophisticated tools and equipment on the job to create devices that are both functional and attractive.

Academic and Licensing Requirements

• Completion of High school or equivalent.

Prerequisites differ for each institution but generally include biology, chemistry, physics, math and English.

Upon completion of the educational requirements, one must write the Dental Technicians certification exam. One cannot use the title of Registered Dental Technologist until they are certified. Once certified registration as a member with the Nova Scotia Dental Technicians Association is required.

Where to study

There are no programs in Nova Scotia.
The program is offered at:

• George Brown College
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology