### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            									
							
				                                                
                                            




            			dental laboratory technicians imageDental laboratory technicians create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental prosthetics.							
						Quick Facts:     Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians2023     Median Pay
            						$44,640     per year
										$21.46     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    High school diploma or equivalentWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    Moderate-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    73,400Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    -1% (Little or no change)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    -1,000What Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians Do
                                                
                        
                        
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians usually work in clean, well-lighted spaces and may spend time standing or bending. Most work full time, and schedules may vary.
            
                                                How to Become a Dental or Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician or Medical Appliance Technician
                                                
                        
To enter the occupation, dental or ophthalmic laboratory technicians or medical appliance technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They typically receive on-the-job training to attain competency.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians was $44,640 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians is projected to show little or no change							 from 2022 to 2032.
						Despite  limited  employment growth, about 8,300 openings for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians Do 
            

			Ophthalmic laboratory techniciansOphthalmic laboratory technicians often use automated equipment to make lenses.			
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians make or repair dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, and related products.
Duties
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians typically do the following:
Read and follow detailed work orders and prescriptions
Bend, form, and shape material for appliances or devices
Polish and shape appliances and devices, using handtools or power tools
Adjust appliances or devices to allow for a natural look or to improve function
Inspect the final product for quality and accuracy
Repair damaged appliances and devicesTechnicians’ duties vary, depending on their employer. In small offices and retail establishments, technicians may handle every phase of production. In large manufacturing and wholesale facilities, technicians may be responsible for only one phase of production, such as polishing, measuring, or testing.
***Dental laboratory technicians*** use impressions or molds of a patient’s teeth to create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental appliances. They work closely with dentists but have limited contact with patients.
Dental laboratory technicians work with small handtools, such as files and polishers, and with many different materials, including wax, alloy, ceramic, plastic, and porcelain. Technicians also use computer programs and three-dimensional printers to create dental appliances and restorations.
Dental laboratory technicians may specialize in one or more of the following: orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, implants, or ceramics. Technicians may have different job titles, depending on their specialty. For example, technicians who make ceramic restorations such as veneers and bridges, are called *ceramists*.
***Ophthalmic laboratory technicians*** make prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. They are also commonly known as *optical laboratory technicians*.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians typically use automated equipment to make lenses. Some technicians manufacture lenses for optical instruments, such as telescopes and binoculars. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians should not be confused with dispensing opticians, who work with customers to select eyewear and may prepare work orders for ophthalmic laboratory technicians.
***Medical appliance technicians*** construct and repair medical supportive devices, such as hearing aids or leg braces. They use many different types of materials, such as metal, plastic, and leather.
Medical appliance technicians who create orthoses (braces, supports, and other devices) and prostheses (replacement limbs and facial parts) are sometimes referred to as *orthotic and prosthetic technicians* or *O&P technicians*.
Medical appliance technicians should not be confused with hearing aid specialists or orthotists and prosthetists, who work directly with patients. However, technicians may work closely with these other specialists to ensure proper fit or to repair devices.
 Work Environment
			dental laboratory technicians imageMedical appliance technicians construct and repair medical supportive devices, including prosthetic limbs.			

	    
				
	
	    	    		Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians held about 73,400 jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians was distributed as follows:
    	    	
    	Dental laboratory technicians
                35,400Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
                21,300Medical appliance technicians
                16,600The largest employers of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians were as follows:
        Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
                60%Health and personal care retailers
                6Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers
                5Offices of dentists
                5Offices of optometrists
                4Technicians may be exposed to health and safety hazards when handling certain materials. Workers typically wear protective equipment, such as goggles, gloves, or masks, to protect themselves from injury. They may spend a great deal of time standing or bending.
Work Schedules
Most dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians work full time, and schedules may vary.
 How to Become a Dental or Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician or Medical Appliance Technician

			Dental laboratory techniciansDental laboratory technicians need dexterity to work with precision instruments.			
To enter the occupation, dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They typically receive on-the-job training to attain competency.
Education
Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. High school students interested in becoming a dental or ophthalmic laboratory technician or medical appliance technician may benefit from taking classes in science, mathematics, and art.
Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree. Some community colleges and technical schools offer programs in dental or ophthalmic laboratory technology in which students gain experience completing specific tasks, such as surfacing and finishing prescription eyewear. Community colleges and technical schools also may offer programs in medical appliance technology fields, such as orthotics and prosthetics technology.
Most dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians learn their skills through on-the-job training. They may begin as helpers and learn more advanced skills as they gain experience. For example, dental laboratory technicians may start out making models from impressions and progress to designing and fabricating crowns and bridges.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Although optional, certification may demonstrate a level of competence and professionalism that makes candidates more attractive to employers. It also may increase opportunities for advancement.
The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology offers certification as a Certified Dental Technician (CDT). Certification is available in six specialty areas: orthodontics, crown and bridge, complete dentures, partial dentures, implants, and ceramics. To qualify for the CDT, technicians must pass several exams and meet education, training, or experience requirements.
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics offers certification for orthotic and/or prosthetic technicians. Technicians are eligible for the certification exam after completing an accredited program or if they have experience as a technician under the direct supervision of a certified orthotist or prosthetist or O&P technician.
Some employers prefer that ophthalmic laboratory technicians obtain certification from the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE) prior to hiring or after completing on-the-job training. Basic certification is earned after passing an exam.
Advancement
In large facilities, dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians may work their way up to a supervisory level and train new technicians. Some go on to own their own laboratory.
Important Qualities
***Detail oriented.*** Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians must follow work orders and prescriptions precisely. They also need to be able to recognize and correct any imperfections in their work.
***Dexterity.*** Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians must work well with their hands to use precision instruments.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians must be able to work effectively with others. They may be part of a team of technicians working on a single project.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians may encounter challenges when constructing or repairing medical devices. They need to be resourceful in finding solutions.
***Technical skills.*** Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians need to understand how different tools and materials work. They also must know how to operate automated machinery and may need proficiency in design software.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance TechniciansMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians$44,640  Other production occupations$43,880Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians was $44,640 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,470.

			
                    	Median annual wages for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians in May 2023 were as follows:
        Dental laboratory technicians
		$47,690Medical appliance technicians
		44,960Ophthalmic laboratory technicians
		37,720In May 2023, the median annual wages for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Offices of dentists
                $46,880Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing
                45,920Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers
                39,590Offices of optometrists
                35,550Health and personal care retailers
                35,510Most dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians work full time, and schedules may vary.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance TechniciansPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Total, all occupations3%  Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians-1%  Other production occupations-2%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians is projected to show little or no change				 from 2022 to 2032.
			
			Despite  limited  employment growth, about 8,300 openings for dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians varies by occupation (see table).
Demand for dental laboratory technicians is expected to decline as 3D printing and other laborsaving technologies are increasingly used to produce dental parts and appliances.
The increasing number of older adults and an associated rise in age-related ailments will drive demand for medical appliance technicians. For example, these workers will be needed to produce supportive devices to help reduce pain and improve function for people with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Rising obesity rates in the general population will also translate into a greater need for orthoses, such as those for foot and ankle support. Meanwhile, the growing prevalence of diabetes, which may lead to limb loss, will spur demand for prosthetic care.
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians will be needed to make eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses, as a growing population continues to require vision correction. However, automation in lens manufacturing will limit opportunities for these technicians.
			

                        Employment projections data for     dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians**
			51-9080
			73,400
			72,400
			-1
			-1,000
			Get data**Dental laboratory technicians**
			51-9081
			35,400
			33,800
			-5
			-1,600
			Get data**Medical appliance technicians**
			51-9082
			16,600
			17,100
			2
			400
			Get data**Ophthalmic laboratory technicians**
			51-9083
			21,300
			21,600
			1
			200
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Dental laboratory technicians
					Medical appliance technicians
					Ophthalmic laboratory technicians **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Opticians**
            Opticians fit customers for eyeglasses and contact lenses and help them select which frames and lenses to buy.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $44,170**Optometrists**
            Optometrists diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system, including examining eyes and prescribing corrective lenses.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $131,860**Medical Equipment Repairers**
            Medical equipment repairers install, maintain, and repair patient care equipment.
            Associate's degree
            $60,670**Dentists**
            Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $170,910**Orthotists and Prosthetists**
            Orthotists and prosthetists measure, design, fit, and adapt medical devices, such as supportive braces and artificial limbs, for patients who have disabling conditions.
            Master's degree
            $78,100
 Contacts for More Information
								
For information about requirements for certification of dental laboratory technicians, visit
National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology
For information about career opportunities in commercial dental laboratories, visit
National Association of Dental Laboratories
For a list of accredited programs for ophthalmic laboratory technicians, visit
International Council of Accreditation
For a list of accredited programs for medical appliance technicians, visit
American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists
National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education
For information on requirements for certification of medical appliance technicians, visit
American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics
American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners
CareerOneStop
For career videos on dental laboratory and medical appliance technicians, visit
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Medical Appliance Technicians

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Dental Laboratory TechniciansMedical Appliance TechniciansOphthalmic Laboratory Technicians
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians and Medical Appliance Technicians, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/dental-and-ophthalmic-laboratory-technicians-and-medical-appliance-technicians.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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