Dental Laboratory Technician-Removable (WHWC)

Position Summary

The Dental Laboratory Technician- Removable assists the dentist with the fabrication, alteration, and repair of removable dental prosthetics and appliances. This role ensures the accuracy, quality, and functionality of dental prosthetics through skilled use of tools, materials, and industry standards.

Scope and Impact

This role directly impacts patient care by supporting accurate and high-quality dental prosthetics. Although the position does not manage a budget or staff, it plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth dental lab operations and effective collaboration with dental professionals.

Decision-Making Authority

The technician operates with moderate independence in day-to-day technical decisions regarding prosthetic fabrication, repairs, and material handling, following established clinical protocols and dentist directives.

Interactions / Working Relationships

This role works closely with dentists to ensure accuracy and quality of prosthetic appliances, collaborates with laboratory staff on workflow and safety protocols, and engages with supervisors on case progress and supply needs. Indirect interaction with patients occurs through the fabrication and repair of appliances, with occasional contact with vendors for materials and equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Fabricate Removable Prosthetics (30%)
  Assists in creating complete and partial dentures, orthodontic acrylic appliances, and custom trays from impressions and molds.
• Prosthetic Adjustments & Repairs (20%)
  Alters, repairs, and relines complete and partial dentures to restore or improve fit and function.
• Quality Control & Function Testing (15%)
  Tests appliances using articulators and micrometers; evaluates jaw alignment and bite accuracy.
• Material Handling & Appliance Finishing (15%)
  Melts, mixes, and pours plaster, wax, and acrylics; finishes appliances using carving tools, lathes, and furnaces.
• Documentation & Inventory (10%)
  Maintains accurate records of dental appliances and tracks inventory of lab materials and supplies.
• Compliance & Lab Maintenance (10%)
  Cleans/disinfects lab areas and equipment per OSHA, CDC, and ADA standards; maintains lab equipment per manufacturer guidelines.

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Licenses/Certifications: None required, but certification as a Dental Lab Technician (CDT) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant dental lab experience.
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge: Working knowledge of dental prosthetics, hand tools, infection control practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Dental Laboratory Technician program.
• Certification as a Dental Lab Technician (CDT).
• Experience in working with both full and partial dentures.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Experience serving diverse or underserved populations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Detail-oriented craftsmanship
• Effective communication
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Time management and organization

Language Skills

• English required
• Spanish preferred

Technology and Tools

• Internet, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of articulators, micrometers, lathes, dental presses, and furnaces
• Familiarity with electronic documentation systems for dental labs

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work Setting: Dental laboratory setting with indirect patient contact
• Travel: Not required
• Physical Requirements: Standing, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Vision Requirements: Color vision corrected to 20/20