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Dental Laboratory Assistant: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Dental Laboratory Assistant?

As a Dental Laboratory Assistant in the UK, you would support dentists by creating and repairing dental appliances, such as dentures, crowns and bridges, based on detailed instructions from them. This role allows you to combine your creative skills with technical work, ensuring high-quality dental care for patients and helping them maintain their oral health.

How do I become a Dental Laboratory Assistant?

As a Dental Laboratory Assistant in the UK, you would support dentists by creating and repairing dental appliances, such as dentures, crowns and bridges, based on detailed instructions from them. This role allows you to combine your creative skills with technical work, ensuring high-quality dental care for patients and helping them maintain their oral health.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Dental Laboratory Assistant?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Dental Laboratory Assistant

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Knowledge of dental materials and equipment
  • Attention to detail and precision
  • Ability to follow instructions and protocols
  • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
  • Good communication and teamwork skills
  • Basic computer skills for record keeping and data entry
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations in a laboratory setting
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Flexibility and adaptability to changing tasks and priorities

Qualifications & Education

  • An approved university degree is required for entry into the field of dentistry in the UK
  • Completion of a period of postgraduate vocational training is also necessary
  • Graduate entry to dental school may be possible
  • Registration with the General Dental Council is a pre-requisite to practice
  • Specialization in specific fields of dentistry requires further study and training

Career Path

Dental Laboratory Assistant
Dental Technician
Dental Technologist
Dental Laboratory Manager
Dental Hygienist
Dental Therapist
Dental Nurse
Senior Dental Nurse
Orthodontic Technician
Orthodontic Practitioner
Prosthetic Technician
Prosthetist
Maxillofacial Technician
Maxillofacial Prosthetist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental lab assistant?

A dental laboratory assistant is a professional who helps dental technologists and technicians in creating and preparing dental devices such as dentures.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Some employers may expect you to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a scientific subject like biology, biomedical science, or chemistry to be a dental laboratory assistant in the UK.

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