When we have a toothache, we usually go to the dentist, but a dentist can’t work without the help of a dental technologist.
Dental technology deals with the production of dental equipment like dentures, crowns, bridges and dental braces. A dental technologist can be just as credited for the improvement of patients’ appearance, speech and ability to chew. Simply put, dental technology is the technical side of dentistry and its technological advancements made the dental industry a trendsetter.
Future Scope for a Career in Dental Technology
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for dental lab technicians will grow up to 13% in the next few years, making more job opportunities for dental technologists.
- Dental technologists can work as paramedical staff such as dental assistants, technicians and dental hygienists.
- Military services hire dental technology graduates to their healthcare and nursing wing, and one can also start their own laboratory or practice.
- Since dental technology is an associated field of health, they can work with the National Health Service (NHS).
- Smart toothbrushes, digital dentures, teledentistry, augmented reality and intraoral cameras are innovative technologies that will create more job opportunities for graduates in the future.
- Implementation of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) in dentistry is creating more and more job opportunities for those with a technological background.
Skills Required to Study Dental Technology
- Keen observation
- Fast actions
- Creative mind
- Hand-eye Coordination
- Utmost care on exposure to chemicals.
- Good communication skills
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and work procedures
- Ability to use precision tools and instruments
- Interest in work requiring attention to detail
- Interest in working with one’s hands
Careers in Dental Technology
- Clinical Dental technician
- Associate dentist
- Military Dental Technician
Eligibility to Pursue a Degree in Dental Technology
Students who passed 10+2 from recognized institutions under the science stream can apply for a bachelor’s degree in Dental Technology.
Entrance Examinations
There is no specific entrance examination for this course
Top Colleges/Universities in India and Abroad to Study Dental Technology
- Griffith University, Australia
- University of Central Lancashire, UK
- University of Otago, Newzealand
- University of Bolton, UK
- University of Sheffield, UK
- Trinity College Dublin, the university of Dublin, Ireland
- Saveetha Dental College, India
- Baba Jaswant Singh Dental College Hospital & Research Institute, India
Famous People Connected With Dental Technology
George F. Green
American dentist. He was behind the invention of the foot pedal-operated pneumatic drill, an instrument used to perform a variety of common dental procedures.
Ambroise Pare
He is credited with the invention of new dental and surgical instruments, and the introduction of the ligature to stop bleeding instead of the application of hot iron.
Top Institutions that Employ People in this Field
- Indian Army
- National Health Service
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnical Companies
- Dental Clinics & Hospitals
