Typical Tasks
Design and fabricate dental prostheses, or supervise dental technicians and laboratory bench workers who construct the devices.
Fit prostheses to patients, making any necessary adjustments and modifications.
Measure and take impressions of patients' jaws and teeth to determine the shape and size of dental prostheses, using face bows, dental articulators, recording devices, and other materials.
Repair, reline, or rebase dentures.
Replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent fixtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures, such as dentures.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Social
Working with people
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Self-Control
Stress Tolerance
Persistence
What key skills are needed for this job?
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Monitoring
Expected Knowledge
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Common Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
