Dental Laboratory Technicians

• Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
• Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes and pour materials into molds or over frameworks to form dental prostheses or apparatus.
• Create a model of patient's mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.
• Place tooth models on apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
• Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
• Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Dental Laboratory Technicians.

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Dental Laboratory Technicians.