Also known as dental laboratory technicians, orthodontic technicians are responsible for designing, building, and refitting corrective dental wear, ranging from retainers and braces to dentures and crowns. Using images, models, and written instructions from the dentist or orthodontist, professionals in this field custom-fit these appliances for each individual patient. These activities include molding, sculpting, binding, grinding, and polishing the metal, plastic, rubber, and ceramic components. It's an incredibly detail-oriented job that requires a creative eye and steady hand. Although on-the-job training is often sufficient for entry, many employers prefer to hire graduates of orthodontic technician schools.

What Do Orthodontic Technician Schools Teach You?
Most orthodontic technician schools focus on physiology, anatomy, dental science, and prosthetic design. However, this last area deserves ample attention since custom-tailored corrective pieces must adhere to strict guidelines and specifics. Understanding molds, impressions, and schematics is only the first step in the process. Thereafter, you must be able to manipulate the materials and cast them into the appropriate shapes and contours. Then you must be able to meld piece together and make minute changes to ensure a perfect fit. And of course, safety (yours and the patient's) is of the utmost importance, so proper hygiene is essential throughout.

Helping to speed along this entire process is computer technology. Much of what used to be done by hand can now be completed with advanced equipment that offers greater precision and accuracy. During your formal training, be sure to include as much IT and computer science coursework as possible. Doing so might help you become a more attractive candidate as more and more laboratories upgrade their facilities and embrace newer technologies.