Dental Technology is the technical side of dentistry where a dental technician, on prescription of a dentist, makes any prosthesis or appliance for the head and neck. This could consist of:
1. Artificial teeth, e.g. complete dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges.
2. Removable orthodontic appliances, and mouth guards to protect against sports injuries.
3. Maxillofacial appliances, e.g. artificial eyes, ears, and facial prostheses that may be required after surgical treatment.
This major comprises the Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech).
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Did you know?
Dental technicians do not have direct contact with patients. Instead they work in a dental laboratory where various prosthetic appliances are custom made.
Dental technicians can be thought of as artistic individuals who, with a thorough understanding of dental materials science, use their skills to fabricate the form, colour and function of individual teeth or maxillofacial prostheses for a patient.
The fact that the product can affect the health and appearance of a person demands of the technician a high level of responsibility and accuracy.
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Career opportunities
Dental Technology is a global profession. Throughout the world there is a high demand for skilled dental technicians.
In NZ and Australia, dental technicians are employed by commercial dental laboratories which provide the bulk of the work for the private dental industry, the defence forces, hospitals and state health dental services.
The ratio of employer to employee is approximately 1 : 3 and many dental technicians ultimately set up business for themselves. There are no barriers to becoming self employed.
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Further info
Please visit our website:
Write to or visit:
Faculty of Dentistry
Walsh Building
310 Great King St
University of Otago
PO Box 647, Dunedin |
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