Education · 1 of 4

The path

A college diploma, then a registration exam in the provinces that regulate the job.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Grade 12 English, biology, and a chemistry, physics or math. Art helps.

2. 2

   Dental technology diploma

   2 to 3 years

   2 to 3 years at a college: George Brown in Toronto, NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) in Edmonton, or Vancouver Community College. Crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontic appliances, implants, and digital design. Programs end with a practicum in a real lab.

3. 3

   Registration exam

   After graduation

   Required in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and BC. In Ontario you register with the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario and earn the RDT (registered dental technologist) title.

4. 4

   Specialize

   First few years

   Most technologists settle into one area: ceramics, removable dentures, orthodontics, implants or digital design.