# Dental Laboratory Technicians

> Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-9081.00
- **Summary:** Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.

## Aliases

- Dental Ceramist
- Dental Laboratory Technician (Dental Lab Tech)
- Dental Technician (Dental Tech)
- Denture Technician (Denture Tech)
- Ceramist
- Crown and Bridge Dental Laboratory Technician (Crown and Bridge Dental Lab Tech)
- Metal Finisher
- Orthodontic Laboratory Technician (Ortho Lab Tech)
- Porcelain Technician (Porcelain Tech)
- Waxer
- Bridge Technician
- CAD Tech (Computer-Aided Design Technician)

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.q |
| Prepare metal surfaces for bonding with porcelain to create artificial teeth, using small hand tools. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, or missing teeth to repair dentures. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.4.f |
| Place tooth models on an apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.e |
| Apply porcelain paste or wax over prosthesis frameworks or setups, using brushes and spatulas. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Build and shape wax teeth, using small hand instruments and information from observations or dentists' specifications. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.q |
| Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Mold wax over denture setups to form the full contours of artificial gums. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.q |
| Train or supervise other dental technicians or dental laboratory bench workers. | Core | 4.A.4.b.3.e |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Meet with dentists or patients to discuss dental appliances. |
| Order parts or materials needed to make dental appliances. |
| Scan dental models to create digital files. |
| Stain porcelain on dental appliances to match the color of patients' teeth. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Construct customized assistive medical or dental devices. | 4.A.3.a.2.q |
| Repair medical or dental assistive devices. | 4.A.3.b.4.f |
| Inspect medical or dental assistive devices. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |
| Measure clients to ensure proper product fit. | 4.A.1.b.3.e |
| Mix ingredients to create specific finishes. | 4.A.3.a.1.a |
| Place materials into molds. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Melt metal, plastic, or other materials to prepare for production. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Prepare materials for processing. | 4.A.3.a.2.m |
| Trim excess material from workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Cast molds of patient anatomies to create medical or dental devices. | 4.A.3.a.2.q |
| Load items into ovens or furnaces. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Apply parting agents or other solutions to molds. | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Fill cracks, imperfections, or holes in products or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.am |
| Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use. | 4.A.3.a.2.k |
| Instruct workers to use equipment or perform technical procedures. | 4.A.4.b.3.e |
| Direct operational or production activities. | 4.A.4.b.4.j |
| Shape metal workpieces with hammers or other small hand tools. | 4.A.3.a.2.g |
| Solder parts or workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.ai |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 4 |
| Near Vision | ability | 4 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.88 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.78 |
| Design | knowledge | 3.78 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.64 |
| Visualization | ability | 3.62 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | knowledge | 3.61 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.51 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.46 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.38 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.38 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.38 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.38 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.25 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.25 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.17 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.12 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 3.01 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 2.88 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Windows | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Graphics Software | Specialized Skill |
| Email Software | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Accounting Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Intuit QuickBooks | Accounting software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Windows | Operating system software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Bookkeeping software | Accounting software | no | no |
| Computer aided design and drafting CADD software | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Computer imaging software | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Database management software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Dental product design software | Computer aided design CAD software | no | no |
| Dental product manufacturing software | Computer aided manufacturing CAM software | no | no |
| Easy Solutions Easy Lab | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Email software | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| Graphics software | Graphics or photo imaging software | no | no |
| Inventrix Labtrac | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Jenmar International DL-Plus | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| LabMagic | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Laboratory Systems Group Lab Manager | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Mainstreet Systems & Software DentaLab/PC II | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Mainstreet Systems & Software DentaRX | Word processing software | no | no |
| Scheduling software | Calendar and scheduling software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Time Pressure | 4.81 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.79 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.73 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.72 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.54 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 4.44 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.43 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.4 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.4 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.21 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.09 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.06 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.75 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.75 |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections | 3.64 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.61 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.51 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 3.46 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.36 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.34 |
| Telephone Conversations | 3.33 |
| Contact With Others | 3.24 |
| Level of Competition | 3.22 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.21 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.18 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.18 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.09 |
| E-Mail | 2.92 |
| Consequence of Error | 2.85 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.71 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.69 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.63 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.38 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.12 |
| Spend Time Standing | 2.05 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2 |
| Degree of Automation | 1.97 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 1.95 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 1.92 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 1.92 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 51.74 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 18.16 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 13.23 |
| Some College Courses | 7.43 |
| Master's Degree | 5.68 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 1.89 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 1.87 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.61 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 4.46 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.12 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.93 |
| Health Care Service | specific_interest_area | 3.66 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 3 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.93 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.71 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 2.67 |
| Medical Science | specific_interest_area | 2.19 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.03 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.02 |
| Life Science | specific_interest_area | 1.89 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.84 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 1.65 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-9082.00 | role-51-9082-00 | Medical Appliance Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 31-9091.00 | role-31-9091-00 | Dental Assistants | Primary-Short |
| 51-9083.00 | role-51-9083-00 | Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 49-9062.00 | role-49-9062-00 | Medical Equipment Repairers | Primary-Short |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 17-3028.00 | role-17-3028-00 | Calibration Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 51-9123.00 | role-51-9123-00 | Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers | Primary-Long |
| 51-9022.00 | role-51-9022-00 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | Primary-Long |
| 51-7021.00 | role-51-7021-00 | Furniture Finishers | Primary-Long |
| 29-1292.00 | role-29-1292-00 | Dental Hygienists | Primary-Long |
| 29-1024.00 | role-29-1024-00 | Prosthodontists | Supplemental |
| 29-1021.00 | role-29-1021-00 | Dentists, General | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Healthcare & Human Services | healthcare-human-services |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Health Professions and Related Programs | health-professions-and-related-programs |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 48310
- **Mean Wage:** 54060
- **Pct10Wage:** 36100
- **Pct25Wage:** 39250
- **Pct75Wage:** 62320
- **Pct90Wage:** 78680
- **Employment:** 33920
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 29060 | 48120 | 10.35 |
| 62 | 62 | Health Care and Social Assistance | Sector | 4160 | 48880 | 0.82 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 90 | 52700 |  |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector |  | 47000 |  |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector |  | 48160 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 29060 | 10.35 |
| 62 | 62 | Health Care and Social Assistance | Sector | 4160 | 0.82 |
- **Count:** 5

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.97 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | 0.0013206 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | 1.043164 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.4373581 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 22
- **Percentile:** 20
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 48 | felten_aioe |
| 12 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 7 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | 0.0013206 | 48 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.08333333333333333 | 12 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.04017907894988323 | 7 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.97
- **Percentile:** 94
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0.041666666666666664
- **Gamma:** 0.08333333333333333

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -4.7
- **Growth Percentile:** 13
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 3.9
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 42
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 35.2
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 33.6

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 17
- **Skills:** 40
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 24
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 3c7458e775d1234c