Mission
Dental Laboratory Technology program provides for a flexible career which offers several opportunities for advancement. After completing the program, students can be experienced and skilled technicians who own their own laboratories or become department heads where they have supervisory responsibilities.
Overview
This program is designed to prepare students for employment as dental laboratory technicians whose major tasks include construction and repair of all types of dental prosthetic appliances. Students are trained in the art of basic crown and bridge fabrication orthodontics. This program requires a total of 1,200 hours. Between July 2022-June 2023, the program’s cumulative enrollment was 14 students and total completers was 3. The percentage of students who completed or graduated as of the end of the last academic year is 60%.
What is Dental Laboratory Technology
Dental Laboratory Technology is the art and science of creating dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, to restore and enhance patients’ smiles.
Where We Work
Dental laboratory technicians can be found working in a variety of settings, including:
- Private dental laboratories
- Dental clinics and hospitals
- Dental schools and research institutions
- Dental product manufacturing companies
- Own your lab business (with experience)
Job Outlook
- Increasing Demand: Demand is increasing as an aging population and the desire for cosmetic dental procedures.
- Career Opportunities: In Virginia, there are about 500 dental labs that are looking for qualified workers. And projected growth rate of this field has been increasing 13% from 2016 to 2026. (U.S. Bureau)
- Competitive Salaries: Salaries for dental laboratory technicians are competitive, with opportunities for higher earning potential with experience and specialized skills. The average wage of dental technicians in the United States is $49,930/year, and in Virginia is $59,590/year. (2022, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What We Learn
In our program, students learn a variety of skills and techniques to prepare them for a career in the field. Some of the key areas of focus include:
- Dental Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the teeth, gums, and jaw is essential for designing and creating prosthetics that fit and function properly.
- Materials Science: Learning about the different materials used in dental prosthetics, and how to select the most appropriate material for each case.
- Laboratory Techniques: Learning a variety of laboratory techniques to create prosthetics that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- CAD/CAM Technology: With the increasing use of digital technology in dentistry, students learn how to use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to design and fabricate dental prosthetics.
Major Education Requirements
| Number | Course | Hours |
| DLTC101 | Dental Morphology | 60 |
| DLTC102 | Dental Morphology Lab | 140 |
| DLTC151 | Crowns and Bridges I | 60 |
| DLTC152 | Crowns and Bridges Lab I | 140 |
| DLTC153 | Crowns and Bridges II | 60 |
| DLTC154 | Crowns and Bridges Lab II | 140 |
| DLTC201 | Dental Ceramics I | 60 |
| DLTC202 | Dental Ceramics Lab I | 140 |
| Electives (Choose 2 out of DLTC251/252, DLTC301/302, DLTC303/304 or for students choosing DLTC270 they can select 1 out of DLTC251, DLTC301 or DLTC303) | ||
| DLTC251 | Complete Denture | 40 |
| DLTC252 | Complete Denture Lab | 160 |
| DLTC270 | Career Development | 160 |
| DLTC301 | CAD/CAM I | 40 |
| DLTC302 | CAD/CAM Lab I | 160 |
| DLTC303 | CAD/CAM II | 40 |
| DLTC304 | CAD/CAM Lab II | 160 |
| Total Required Hours | 1000 |
1
Instructors
Certificate: Dental Radiation and Safety, NOVA, VA
Dental Porcelain Technician: Dental lab in Burke, VA
Dental Porcelain Technician: Dental lab in Centreville, VA
Dental CAD/CAM Technician: Dental lab in Annandale, VA
Dental CAD Designing Technician: LSK121 Oral Prosthetics, IL
CAD Digital Denture Technician: Dentalogy Dental Lab, AR
Dental CAD Designing Technician: Arteeth Dental Lab(AT), VA
Our Program
- Certified Program: The only school in the Washington Metropolitan Area offering Dental Lab Technology, certified by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program suits both degree and job seekers. It provides a well-balanced combination of classroom and laboratory hours, allowing students to acquire essential hands-on skills.
- Industry Recognition: Recognized by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) and maintains membership in the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), ensuring that students receive education that meets industry standards.
- Expert Instructors: Our program is taught by professional instructors with outstanding knowledge and hands-on skills. We also organize field trips and guest speaker sessions to provide students with real-world insights and experiences.
