Dental Technician

When a dentist must remedy a patient's situation with prosthetic or orthodontic appliances, he or she typically turns to a dental technician for assistance. Dental technicians use molds, models, and images of patients to build dentures and partial bridges, as well as specialized orthodontic insertions to help articulate patients' teeth. These technicians typically work for companies which create these materials and appliances in manufacturing labs.

Dental technicians must be very detail-oriented to be successful. Because the prosthetic devices, dentures, and veneers they make will affect the patient's bite pattern, eating comfort, and smile, they must be diligent about following every noted aspect of each unique mold and image when creating these devices. They typically work with a variety of materials and resins and also use small tools and magnifying equipment to ensure proper fits are created.

Many technicians choose to specialize within the field, especially those who work in orthodontics and are tasked with helping to make braces and retainers for orthodontists to use. While orthodontists typically perform the final shaping of appliances within patients' mouths, it is still important for dental technicians to properly match all molds and imaging to help reduce patients' discomfort and the time it takes for appliances to be placed.

Most dental technicians work into this field by attending specialized technical schools after high school graduation. Typically, a dental technician will then apply for work with dental labs and prosthetic manufacturers. Those in this position can expect to work regular business hours during the week in a laboratory manufacturing environment.

As a dental technician with 9+ years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

• Fabricating dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, using advanced techniques and materials.
• Collaborating with dental professionals to ensure accurate interpretation of patient prescriptions and specifications.
• Conducting quality control checks to ensure the accuracy and functionality of dental restorations.
• Keeping up to date with the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.

The role of a Dental Technician is crucial in the field of dentistry, and professionals with 9+ years of experience in this role may consider exploring alternative career paths. Here are four options to consider:

• Dental Laboratory Manager: This role involves overseeing the operations of a dental laboratory, managing a team of technicians, ensuring quality control, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Dental Sales Representative: A position focused on promoting and selling dental products and equipment to dental practices, clinics, and hospitals.
• Dental Product Development Specialist: This role involves working with dental product manufacturers to develop and improve dental materials, instruments, and technologies.
• Dental Education and Training Coordinator: This position involves developing and delivering training programs for dental technicians, staying updated with the latest advancements in dental technology, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

According to the latest data available, the dental technician role in the United Arab Emirates is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this job role has witnessed an increasing demand due to advancements in dental technology and an expanding population. With the rise in dental treatments and oral health awareness, employment opportunities for dental technicians are expected to increase in the future. Although exact figures are not specified, the outlook for this position appears promising, offering potential job security and career prospects in the dental industry in the United Arab Emirates.