DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
51-9081 Dental Laboratory Technicians
Occupational Description:
Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances. Excludes ?Dental Assistants? (31-9091).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 490 | 226 | $20.60/hr | $0.77/hr | $14.19/hr | $16.47/hr | $19.90/hr | $24.49/hr | $28.87/hr |
| Minnesota | 730 | 234 | $20.97/hr | $0.55/hr | $14.01/hr | $16.54/hr | $20.37/hr | $24.80/hr | $29.37/hr |
| U S | 34,460 | 999 | $21.62/hr | $0.17/hr | $12.52/hr | $15.51/hr | $20.16/hr | $26.32/hr | $32.11/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2020 - 2030 | |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | 140 | $16.97/hr | 0.7% |
| Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers | N/A | $17.56/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Dental Laboratory Technicians
- Tests appliance for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulator and micrometer.
- Assembles, carves, grinds, and polishes metal and plastic appliances, using pliers, spatula, grinders, and polishes.
- Fills chipped or low spots in surface with acrylic resin.
- Removes excess mixture and investment and polishes surface of prosthesis or framework, using polishing machine.
- Fabricates dental appliances or apparatus, such as dentures, retainers, or metal bands.
- Reads prescription or specifications and examines models and impressions to determine design of dental products to be constructed.
- Rebuilds or replaces linings, wire sections, and missing teeth to repair dentures.
- Casts plastic, plaster, and metal framework and removes mold from frame.
- Melts metals or mixes plaster, porcelain, or acrylic paste, and pours material into molds or over framework to form dental apparatus or prosthesis.
- Applies investments or mixtures, such as porcelain paste or wax, over prosthesis framework or setup, using brushes and spatula.
- Shapes and solders wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering iron and hand tools.
