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Denturist

Denturists are primary health care providers who specialize in oral prosthesis (full and partial dentures and dental implants). Together with other health care professionals, they assess, design, make, repair and insert complete and removable partial dentures. They also diagnose related problems.

Denturists are trained in clinic (in-mouth) procedures and the associated lab procedures for the required treatments.

NOC Codes

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: Denturists (3221) 
  • 2006 NOC-S: Denturists (D221) 
  • 2011 NOC: Denturists (3221) 
  • 2016 NOC: Denturists (3221) 
  • 2021 NOC: Denturists (32110) 
Interests & Abilities

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.

Denturists

2006 NOC: 3221

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in speaking with patients to ensure that dentures fit comfortably; and in relining and rebasing dentures

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with dental and laboratory equipment; and in making impressions of patients' teeth, gums and jaws

INNOVATIVE

Interest in analyzing information to design, fit and modify new dentures

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Duties
Updated Sep 22, 2014

Denturists work with patients one-on-one or together with other health care professionals. In general, they:

  • consult with clients
  • diagnose dental prosthetic problems
  • develop treatment plans
  • perform the intra-oral (in-mouth) and lab procedures required to design and make various dental prosthetic devices
  • insert devices to ensure a proper and comfortable fit
  • repair, reline and adjust devices as required
  • create and maintain patient records.

Denturists may use a variety of instruments, machinery and materials to make dental prosthetic devices. Materials include:

  • gypsum
  • waxes
  • metals
  • plastics
  • porcelains
  • chemical solutions.

Denturists may also provide related services (for example, fitting sport mouthguards and whitening teeth).

Working Conditions
Updated Sep 22, 2014
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Most denturists own and operate their own denture clinics (usually with onsite labs). Some denturists provide services in health care facilities or private homes.

Denturists work standard office hours. They may work longer hours, especially if they are self-employed.

Traits & Skills
Updated Sep 22, 2014

Denturists need to possess:

  • the ability to concentrate
  • good decision-making skills
  • adaptability and creativity
  • attention to detail
  • fine motor skills
  • patience and persistence
  • excellent communication skills (especially listening skills).

They should enjoy:

  • working with the public
  • working step-by-step
  • diagnosing problems
  • studying information
  • experimenting with various design options

working with tools and equipment that demand precision.

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Denturists

2016 NOC: 3221

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 10 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 16, 2021 and May 23, 2023.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Construct dentures
Fit, adjust and repair dentures
Direct other denturists to construct dentures
Take measurement to determine size and shape of dentures
Re-line and re-base dentures
Make impression and mould of teeth, gums and jaws
Supervise apprentices and bench workers
Personal Suitability: Client focus
Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills
Personal Suitability: Interpersonal awareness
Educational Requirements
Updated Sep 22, 2014
  • Minimum Education 3 years post-secondary

The minimum educational requirement is a 3-year denturist training program.

Program graduates must complete registration examinations administered by the College of Alberta Denturists as part of the requirements for registration.

Denturists should also have standard first aid and basic life support training.


Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Sep 22, 2014
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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.

Denturist

Denturists assess, diagnose and treat persons missing some or all of their natural teeth, and design, construct, repair, alter and fit complete or partial dentures, and implant supported prostheses for the purpose of restoring and maintaining function and appearance.

Legislation

Under Alberta's Health Professions Act and Denturists Profession Regulation, registration with the College of Alberta Denturists 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 or students who provide services to the public. Registered members who are authorized by the College may perform restricted activities specified in the Regulation. Only regulated members may call themselves denturists.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Denturist.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Sep 22, 2014

Once denturists have registered as regulated members of the College of Alberta Denturists and have a practice permit, they may work for employers or operate their own denture clinics.

This profession is equal opportunity for males and females working in the industry – it is generally a 50/50 split.

Industry Concentration

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.

In the 3221: Denturists occupational group, 80.4% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 3221: Denturists 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

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Sep 22, 2014

Registered denturists can earn $55,000 - $85,000 a year based on years of experience (2018 estimate).

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
Other Sources of Information
Updated Sep 22, 2014

College of Alberta Denturists website: www.abdenturists.ca

Denturist Association of Canada website: www.denturist.org

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.

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