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Dental Laboratory Technologist, Laboratory Technician/Technologist
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:
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 build the appliances and devices dentists prescribe for their patients. They use ceramics, metal alloys, wires and plastic materials, along with 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.
Dental technologists need to possess:
They should enjoy studying prescriptions and taking a step-by-step approach to their work. They should also enjoy working with tools and equipment, tasks that require precision, and problem solving.
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 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 22, 2021 and Mar 30, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Design, fabricate or repair dental devices | 40 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Prepare plaster models and moulds | 32 |
| Tasks: Mould wax over dentures set-up | 32 |
| Tasks: Polish and buff dentures | 32 |
| Design, fabricate or repair dental devices | 31 |
| Tasks: Pack plastic material in moulds to form full or partial dentures | 31 |
| Tasks: Maintain and order supplies | 31 |
| Ceramic or porcelain application | 28 |
| Tasks: Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays | 28 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 26 |
The minimum educational requirement is a 2-year diploma program in dental technology.
Dental technologists must also be certified in Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers, including CPR training.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Dental technologists and technicians fabricate, duplicate, alter and repair prosthetic and orthodontic devices, and fit devices (when fitting is incidental to fabrication, duplication, alteration or repair).
Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Dental Technologists Profession Regulation, registration with the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta (CDTA) is mandatory if you meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public, manufacture dental appliances, teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession, or supervise registered members who provide services to the public. Registered members, who are authorized by the College, provide restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only registered members may call themselves Dental Technologists or Dental Technicians.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Dental Technologist and Technician.
Source: 2019-2023 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.
Dental technologists are part of a larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3223: Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory bench workers. In Alberta, 99% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 3223: Dental technologists, technicians and laboratory assistants occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 15, 2018. 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.