Dental ceramicist

: I read your July 2006 article about Dental Laboratory Technicians. I understand that some dental laboratory techs specialize in dental ceramics. What's the difference between the typical dental lab tech job and the dental ceramist position? How much do dental ceramists earn?
— Danica

Response: One of the biggest differences between a typical dental laboratory technician job and a dental ceramist position is the salary.

Salary
The entry-level pay of dental laboratory technicians in the Los Angeles area ranges from approximately $25,000 to $30,000 per year.

However, according to a representative of the UCLA Dental Esthetic Design certificate program, a talented graduate of their program could earn from approximately $55,000 to $70,000 per year as an entry-level dental ceramist. With five years of experience, dental ceramists earn from approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per year.

Job Description
While dental laboratory technicians are trained to do some ceramics work, dental ceramists are specialists who have completed additional training.

Dental ceramists are very adept at doing very fine detailed work to create the highest-quality crowns, bridges, and tooth facings, according to the specifications and molds supplied by the dentist. They work more with porcelain than with acrylics or resin. Therefore, their additional training focuses on porcelain-building, wax molding, color theory, translucency, texturizing, bridge-making, and how to make copings (the support material for the crown) using different materials.

They carefully apply layers of porcelain over a metal framework to form dental prostheses. The dental ceramist or a dental laboratory technician repeats the mixture-application process and baking until the denture conforms to specifications. They verify the accuracy of tooth dimensions and occlusion of teeth using a micrometer and articulator.

The ceramist or lab technician then cleans and polishes dental prostheses using an ultrasonic machine and polishing machine.

Training Options and Costs

The UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry

Box 951668, Room A0-121 CHS

Los Angeles, California USA 90095

(310) 206-8388

uclasod.dent.ucla.edu/ContinuingEducation

The school offers a two year, 60-unit Esthetic Dental Design Program. Graduates of the program are considered Master Dental Ceramists.

This rigorous program requires full-time attendance. Graduates are provided with job placement assistance. Currently, the program costs approximately $7,000 not including books and other miscellaneous fees.

The UCLA Dental Esthetic Design certificate program is unique in that it is currently the only certificate program in the nation that provides a concentration in dental ceramic technology. Therefore, the program is highly competitive.

Professional Association

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)

(800) 543-9220

Fax: (608) 222-9540

info@aacd.com

www.aacd.com

This organization is dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care.

Member benefits include a subscription to the quarterly publication The Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, a membership directory, and discounts on services. Student membership costs $20 per year.

The AACD also has a credentialing program for laboratory technicians. Accredited laboratory technicians are in greater demand and are able to meet dentists who share similar philosophy and goals.

The credentialing process consists of three sections. First, candidates must pass a written examination. After passing the written examination, candidates must submit approximately twelve clinical case examples. Finally, candidates must pass an oral examination.

The written examination fee is $350. The clinical case examples must each be submitted with a $150 fee. The oral examination fee is $400.

Job Resources
Both organizations listed below provide an online listing of approximately 40 laboratory/company members in the Los Angeles County area that one could contact for employment as a dental ceramist:

National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)

(800) 950-1150

www.nadl.org

This organization exists to enhance standards of dental laboratory technicians including dental ceramists. Associate membership is open to dental laboratory technicians.

Membership benefits include field updates through publications such as Journal of Dental Technology, discounts on educational publications, and listing on an online directory. Annual associate membership dues are $70.

California Dental Lab Association (CDLA)

(800) 532-2352

www.cdla.org

This is the state affiliate of NADL. Active membership is open to dental laboratory technician professionals.

Membership benefits include discounts on seminars, field updates through publications such as CDLA Focus, and networking opportunities at conferences. Annual active membership dues are $32 per month or $384 per year.

Employment Outlook
The job market for dental ceramists is above average since there are more jobs than candidates.

Besides working for a dentist, dental clinic, or dental laboratory, dental ceramists also work for prosthodontists as well as dental schools and research laboratories.

 
Susan W. Miller, M.A., is a National Certified Career Counselor, a Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist and holds diplomate status on the American Board of Vocational Experts. She heads California Career Services, a private practice career counseling firm in Los Angeles.

E-mail career questions you'd like answered in this column to info@californiacareerservices.com or visit California Career Services at www.californiacareerservices.com.