Salaried technicians usually work 40 hours a week, but self-employed technicians frequently work longer hours. Employment Dental laboratory technicians held about 47,000 jobs in 1996. Most jobs were in commercial dental laboratories, which usually are small, privately owned businesses with fewer than five employees. Some dental laboratory technicians worked in dentists' offices. Others worked for hospitals providing dental services, including Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Some technicians work in dental laboratories in their homes, in addition to their regular job.
Approximately 1 technician in 7 is self-employed, a higher proportion than in most other occupations. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most dental laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job. They begin with simple tasks, such as pouring plaster into an impression, and progress to more complex procedures, such as making porcelain crowns and bridges. Becoming a fully trained technician requires an average of 3 to 4 years depending upon the individual's aptitude and ambition, but it may take a few more years to become an accomplished technician. Training in dental laboratory technology is also available through community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed Forces.