Career Information

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A Dental Technologist is a person who is knowledgeable and skilled in the design, repair or alteration of dental prosthetic, restorative and orthodontic devices which are prescribed by dentists, orthodontists or denturists for their patients.

Only individuals who have successfully completed the Registration Examination set by the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario (CDTO) and are registered with the CDTO may:

1. use the protected title "Dental Technologist", or its variation, or the "RDT" designation;
2. practise dental technology independently; and
3. supervise the design, construction, repair and alteration of dental prosthetic, restorative or orthodontic devices being processed by assisting technical employees in a dental laboratory.

Technicians who are not registered with the CDTO may work as assistants. They must work under the direct supervision of "Dental Technologists" and are not allowed to use the protected title.

The practice of the profession is regulated by the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario (CDTO) in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Dental Technology Act, 1991 and Regulations.

NATURE OF THE WORK

A Dental Technologist registered with the CDTO is qualified to own and/or supervise dental laboratories and to design, fabricate, modify, and repair by prescription all or any of the following:

1. complete dentures;
2. partial dentures;
3. crowns, inlays, onlays, posts and cores, bridges and dental ceramics; and
4. appliances used in orthodontics, oral and maxillo-facial surgery and other dental specialties.

S/he does not work directly on the patient unless a dentist refers a patient to her/him to have the colour of a crown verified. S/he may also be called by a dentist to assist in planning a procedure, e.g. in dental implants.

To perform the full scope of dental technology practice, a Dental Technologist is expected to be competent not only in the technical aspects of dental technology/laboratory procedures, but also be knowledgeable in:

• principles of physics and general science associated with the fabrication of dental prostheses;
• the characteristics and properties of dental materials used in dental prosthetic devices and appliances;
• the operation of equipment and instrumentation associated with the fabrication of dental prostheses;
• basic elements of head and neck anatomy, dental anatomy, dental physiology, tooth morphology and pathological conditions relevant to dental technology;
• basic laboratory hygiene, safety, toxicology, infection control and first aid;
• professional ethics and legal obligations;
• basic elements of business management, laboratory supervision and relation of dental technology with other dental services and general health care.

The majority of experienced Dental Technologists operate their own commercial dental laboratories, while others are employed by dental laboratories as RDTs-in-charge. Some work as consultants or take up positions in universities, community colleges and hospitals that offer dental technology services.

Newly registered Dental Technologists, while acquiring all-round experience and establishing a network of clients, usually work under the employment of a dental laboratory specializing in the work of a department such as orthodontic appliance, crown and bridge or dentures. Depending on the individual's ability s/he may be given the responsibility to manage the department or to work independently with minimum supervision. Occasionally, some work for dentists in dental clinics.

SPECIALTIES

Dental Technologists are expected to be competent in the techniques and procedures pertaining to the following specialty areas:

PREPARATION REQUIRED

To practice the full scope of dental technology, an individual must hold the CDTO general certificate of registration. An applicant for registration must meet the following non-exemptible registration requirements:

1. successful completion of grade 12 or equivalent;
2. successful completion of an approved program in dental technology at a College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, or at an educational institution outside of Ontario that the CDTO Registration Committee considers to be the equivalent to the dental technology program currently being offered by the College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario; and subsequently acquiring 1950 hours of supervised practical experience in Ontario under the supervision of a dental technologist or a dentist, or in such other supervised employment outside of Ontario as the CDTO Registration Committee may approve; and
3. successful completion of the CDTO registration examination.

Formal dental technology training program is presently offered by George Brown College in Ontario. Co-op, apprenticeship or job shadowing opportunities are available to dental technology program students.

Students in high school preparing for the profession should take general science, physics, biology, chemistry, English, business administration, computer science, craft or technical based courses.

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Manual dexterity, good hand-eye coordination are required. Colour blindness would affect the dental technologist's ability to select the appropriate shade and colour of a tooth.
• Attention to details, communication and leadership skills are assets.
• Tactfulness, ability to meet deadlines, ability to follow instructions and to manage, motivate and train others.
• With changing technology and legislative requirements, Dental Technologists are required to up-date themselves through continuing education programs offered by community colleges, and/or technical workshops, seminars offered by dental organizations.

With changing technology and legislative requirements, Dental Technologists are required to up-date themselves through continuing education programs offered by community colleges, and/or technical workshops, seminars offered by dental organizations.

EMPLOYMENT, ADVANCEMENT, OUTLOOK

Employment opportunities are available mostly from commercial dental laboratories. There are positions in hospital, university faculty of dentistry, community college, dental equipment and material suppliers, and dental clinics.

More than half of the commercial dental laboratories concentrate in Metro Toronto where competition is keen. Employers from outside of Toronto usually find it more difficult to recruit dental technologists.

The advancement of a dental technologist is not limited to working under a specific employer. S/he could set up her/his own laboratory. The skilled dental technologist with entrepreneurial vision could achieve greater success.

With the proclamation of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the CDTO expects to see a growing demand for dental technologists to take charge of the supervision of dental laboratories, on a full-time or part-time basis. This is the direct result of the change in legislation. When the "Dental Technicians Act" was repealed, any business man can open a dental laboratory but he must employ a dental technologist to supervise the work.

REMUNERATION

It is difficult to obtain detailed figures, but it is generally accepted that laboratory owners offer at least minimum wage to assisting technicians with little or no training. There is a great variance when it comes to dental technologists. The variation arises as a result of the individual's skill level and experience. Location of the laboratory and supply/demand conditions, could also impact on the level of salary. A skilled dental technologist with experience could earn $600 to $1,200 per week.

RELATED CAREERS

Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Denturists, Dental Nurses and Dental Assistants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

College of Dental Technologists of Ontario
2100 Ellesmere Road, Suite 300
Scarborough, Ontario M1H 3B7
Telephone: (416) 438-5003
Fax: (416) 438-5004