A career as an orthodontic technician is an exciting and highly rewarding choice for individuals interested in the field of dentistry. Orthodontic technicians are the professionals who assist orthodontists in the diagnosis, treatment and management of orthodontic and dental problems. As an orthodontic technician, you’ll be working with advanced technology to develop customized treatment plans for patients. You’ll also be responsible for providing patient care, performing administrative tasks and assisting with the management of orthodontic equipment. Becoming an orthodontic technician requires special skills, qualifications, and education, and the process of becoming one can be long and involved. Understanding how to become an orthodontic technician is essential if you’re considering this career path. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the steps and requirements for becoming an orthodontic technician, including what type of education and training is necessary, the types of jobs available,
- Earn your high school diploma or equivalent. …
- Enroll in a formal educational program. …
- Find opportunities for on-the-job training. …
- Pursue certification. …
- Seek professional work opportunities.
What does an orthodontic technician do?
Making properly fitting orthodontic appliances and devices that help treat malocclusions, or misaligned dental arches that lead to improper bites, is the responsibility of orthodontic technicians. Because a patient’s specific malocclusion can be caused by many different things, orthodontic technicians may need to create a variety of appliances to effectively treat different patients. They may construct active, passive or functional devices, such as:
Orthodontic technicians create these devices by shaping wax and metal-based materials using technological manufacturing tools, such as computer-aided milling equipment, in accordance with measurements taken from molds or impressions of patient teeth. In order to properly shape, grind, polish, carve, and assemble appliances according to a doctor’s instructions and specifications, orthodontic technicians must be skilled in using this equipment. From here, orthodontic technicians typically use articulating equipment to test appliances for compliance with measurement specifications. Orthodontic technicians may also be in charge of making any necessary repairs after appliances are placed in patients’ mouths in order to maintain the effectiveness and comfort of the appliances.
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What is an orthodontic technician?
Orthodontic technicians are specialists in dental technology who make the devices and orthodontic appliances used to straighten teeth and treat malocclusions. They are employed in the area of orthodontics, a branch of dentistry that deals with the detection, avoidance, and correction of crooked jaws and teeth. Construction of the various orthodontic appliances used to treat patients’ teeth by orthodontic technicians is crucial in supporting patient care.
While they occasionally work on-site at orthodontic clinics under the supervision of doctors, these professionals frequently work in laboratories or manufacturing facilities. Typically, technicians who work on-site at clinics also assist doctors, prepare patients, and install orthodontic appliances as necessary.
Orthodontic technician skills
To succeed in their jobs, orthodontic technicians need a variety of skills. In order to develop the skills necessary to operate manufacturing equipment and analyze measurements, orthodontic technicians frequently receive specialized technical training. However, orthodontic technicians typically need to work toward expanding their skill sets beyond the most basic technical knowledge in order to perform their duties fully. The following abilities need to be developed in order for you to carry out the aforementioned tasks effectively:
How to become an orthodontic technician
You can pursue a variety of career paths to work in orthodontics. Your exact course may depend on the technical training opportunities you pursue, where you live, what credentials you require, and the employment opportunities that are available to you. Whatever the circumstances, you have a few options for learning the fundamental abilities required to begin a career as an orthodontic technician. The following list of five actions will help you become an orthodontic technician:
1. Earn your high school diploma or equivalent
Getting your high school diploma or an equivalent degree is the first step in becoming an orthodontic technician. A high school diploma is typically required of all orthodontic technicians. You’ll need this degree to start your on-the-job training or enroll in courses that will teach you the technical abilities necessary to become an orthodontic technician.
You can try to deliberately look for extracurricular opportunities to learn about orthodontic technology firsthand in order to make the most of your high school experience. Consider looking into local training and development programs for orthodontic technology as you pursue your diploma. You might be able to observe an orthodontist or an orthodontic technician to gain a practical understanding of their jobs. To test whether you enjoy working in an orthodontics environment, you may be able to find a part-time job as an assistant or helper in an orthodontist’s office or laboratory.
2. Enroll in a formal educational program
Although formal training is not necessary to work as an orthodontic technician, you can enroll in a variety of educational programs to make it easier for you to get started. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) both offer formal training programs at numerous technical or vocational schools. Such programs might also be offered at community colleges, universities, or as part of certificate programs. These programs might provide job placement and apprenticeship opportunities that will help your career trajectory in the long run.
Numerous opportunities for formal education in the field of dental technology, which includes the specific specialty of orthodontic technology, are available. You should be able to gain the specialized technical skills necessary to operate machinery and effectively assemble dental appliances using the instructions you are given in these programs. Through experiential learning classes at on-campus clinics, these training opportunities may also allow you to practice building common appliances. In particular, orthodontic technicians who need to master excellent manual skills will benefit greatly from this type of education.
3. Find opportunities for on-the-job training
Some orthodontic technicians forego formal education programs in favor of on-the-job training to advance their skills. If you’re thinking about going this route, look for internship and clinical shadowing opportunities so you can practice tasks and improve your abilities. Additionally, you might be able to locate employment opportunities with extended training durations that are intended to help you develop your competencies.
Depending on your specific situation, on-the-job training may be structured or unstructured. This type of training may occasionally involve trial periods and observation processes where you test your knowledge in a less formal setting than in educational programs. You can test your abilities and determine whether you enjoy working as an orthodontic technician while gaining experience on the job, which also helps you build relationships with industry professionals. This kind of involvement can be beneficial for trainees as well, as acquiring a variety of real-world work experiences will only enhance your skill set in the long run.
4. Pursue certification
You could pursue dental technology certification after expanding your knowledge and abilities through training opportunities. Although orthodontic technicians are not required to hold a national certification or license, many opt to do so in order to validate their professional standing by obtaining Certified Dental Technician (CDT) credentials from the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology in the specialty of orthodontic appliances.
With the help of this certification, you can demonstrate to potential employers your commitment to the field of orthodontic technology and your growth-oriented mindset. If you have finished training through an ADA-accredited program or have five years of on-the-job experience in dental technology, you can qualify to take the CDT exam and earn your certification.
5. Seek professional work opportunities
Searching for employment opportunities in the industry and starting your professional career are the final steps to becoming an orthodontic technician. You can look for employment with nearby laboratories, dental practices, and orthodontic clinics after acquiring the necessary experience to work in the field through various training opportunities. There are various methods to seek suitable work opportunities.
If you completed formal educational programs for your training, your school may be able to help you find employment. Speaking with professionals you networked with during your on-the-job training may be a good idea if you didn’t pursue formal education because they might be able to help you find a job at their clinic or one nearby. You might also think about joining organizations like the ADA that regularly publish career opportunities for people in the industry. Last but not least, you can look up local orthodontic technician job listings on websites.
Orthodontic Assisting Basics Part I | Braces | Dr. Nathan
FAQ
How do I become an orthodontic technician UK?
The BTEC National Diploma in Dental Technology, a foundation degree that typically requires at least four GCSEs at grades 4–7 or A–C, and a position as a trainee dental technician a BSc (Hons) degree in dental technology, which typically requires A-levels or equivalent credentials
What is an orthodontic digital technician?
A dental patient’s teeth can be straightened using specialized tools that are designed and built with their help. Read the orthodontist’s report, which contains instructions for the kind of equipment you create, to understand your obligations.
What are the duties of an orthodontic assistant?
- Preparing patients for examination and treatment.
- Assisting in infection control.
- handling any emergencies and assisting a dentist or other dental professional during procedures
- Taking and managing patient records.
- Exposing dental x-rays and caring and cleaning x-ray equipment.
