Education · 1 of 5

The path

Almost everyone learns on the bench. The degree is the minority route.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Art, shop and chemistry matter more than biology here. Bring steady hands and good color vision.

2. 2

   Get into a lab

   Weeks to months

   Labs hire trainees with no experience for model work and finishing. Walk in with examples of anything you have made by hand.

3. 3

   Learn one department

   1 to 3 years

   Crown and bridge, ceramics, removable dentures or orthodontics. Technicians specialize early.

4. 4

   Learn the digital side

   Ongoing

   Scanning, design software, milling and 3D printing. This is now most of the new work coming into labs.

5. 5

   Certification, if you want it

   After 2 or more years

   The Certified Dental Technician credential, through written and practical exams in your specialty.