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Dental Laboratory Technician / Technologist, Laboratory Technician / Technologist, Registered Dental Technician, Registered Dental Technologist, RDT, DT
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Dental technologists build the appliances and devices dentists prescribe for their patients. They build these devices with ceramics, metal alloys, wires, and plastic materials. They use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided machining (CAM) systems in their work.
Most dental technologists work standard weekday hours in laboratories and dental offices. Some labs require them to work rotating shifts.
Dental technologists spend most of their day sitting in a lab focused on finely detailed work. They must follow safety guidelines when working with materials that could be hazardous. They may have to handle items that weigh up to 20 kilograms.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in analyzing prescriptions to make and repair dentures and other dental devices; may perform supervisory and administrative functions for dental laboratories
Interest in precision working to shape various substances into plates, clasps, bands, inlays, onlays, implants and bridgework; may train other dental technicians and dental laboratory bench workers
Interest in designing, fabricating and fitting dentures and dental devices; may consult with dentists or other specialists on problematic dental cases
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Dental technologists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 118 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 01, 2022 and Nov 22, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Polish and buff dentures | 77 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Mould wax over dentures set-up | 76 |
| Tasks: Prepare plaster models and moulds | 75 |
| Tasks: Pack plastic material in moulds to form full or partial dentures | 68 |
| Tasks: Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays | 60 |
| Tasks: Design, fabricate or repair dental devices | 59 |
| Tasks: Cast gold or metal alloys for bridges and denture bases | 53 |
| Tasks: Maintain and order supplies | 49 |
| Tasks: Finish metal framework of dentures | 47 |
| Work Setting: Commercial dental laboratory | 37 |
The minimum educational requirement is a 2-year diploma program in dental technology.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Dental technologists and technicians fabricate, duplicate, alter, and repair prosthetic and orthodontic devices. They also fit devices when fitting is incidental to fabrication, duplication, alteration, or repair.
Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Dental Technologists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Dental Technologist and Technician.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Registered dental technologists may be self-employed or employed in specialized labs. For self-employed laboratory owners, success depends on personal drive and technical ability.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants
2016 NOC: 3223
95.3% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $23.38 | $18.02 | $17.00 |
| Overall | $17.28 | $29.39 | $25.34 | $25.00 |
| Top | $24.65 | $57.70 | $40.66 | $40.38 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $51,500 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $49,992 |
College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA) website: cdta.ca
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
