Job File: Dental technician

Dental diseases are as numerous as dental problems. In order to provide patients with the most effective treatment possible, the sector is organized according to a chain of disciplines, in which each professional is assigned a specific task. In this context, the dental prosthodontistis an essential link in our oral health. Although he is not in direct contact with patients, he is directly involved in the treatment plan by manufacturing the necessary prostheses. Today, let's dive into the details of this career.

What is a dental technician?

A dental technician is a health professional specialized in the design, manufacture, repair and fitting of custom-made dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, dentures and implants. Working mainly in the laboratory, he collaborates closely with dentists (here, our fiche mé tier dentiste) and orthodontists (same, our fiche métier orthodontist), who send him the dental impressions and guidelines needed to create devices perfectly adapted to patients' functional and aesthetic needs. Thanks to his mastery of traditional techniques and modern technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing, the dental technician guarantees high-quality, durable and comfortable solutions.

Le rôle du prothésiste dentaire

Much known to the general public, the responsibilities of this professional are nevertheless numerous and important. Below is a list of the main activities he carries out on a daily basis:

Customized prosthetics

• Design and manufacture of customized dental devices: crowns, bridges, dentures, implants.
• Analysis of the patient's functional and aesthetic needs to guarantee customized results.
• Perfect adaptation to oral morphology thanks to accurate impressions and 3D scans.
• Use of various materials: ceramic for its aesthetic appeal, resin for its lightness, metal for its robustness, zirconium for its durability and natural look.
• Mastery of the various manufacturing steps: impression taking, digital design (CAD), wax or resin modelling, casting, ceramic firing, polishing and finishing.
• Adherence to hygiene and safety standards to ensure biocompatibility of prostheses.

Collaboration with dentists and orthodontists

• Working in close synergy with dentists and orthodontists to meet precise therapeutic and aesthetic expectations.
• Analysis of dental impressions, radiographs and treatment plans provided by practitioners.
• Technical advice on the most suitable materials and prosthetic solutions.
• Regular adjustments and reactivation in response to processing changes or specific requests.
• Participation in coordination meetings to optimize device quality and ensure personalized follow-up.
• Contribute to innovation by proposing technical solutions for complex cases.

Réparation and fitting of existing prostheses

• Preliminary diagnosis of malfunctions or defects in dental prostheses.
• Miscellaneous repairs: filling cracks, replacing worn components, soldering broken metal parts.
• Bite adjustments to ensure optimum comfort and avoid muscle or joint pain.
• Adapting prostheses to changes in the patient's dentition, particularly after orthodontic treatment.
• Regular maintenance of devices to prolong their life and preserve their effectiveness.
• Use of modern techniques such as photopolymer resin repairs for fast, effective interventions.

Training to become a dental technician

To become a dental technician, you need to follow a specific training path, the first of which is the Bac Professionnel de Prothésiste Dentaire. This diploma, available after the third year of secondary school, trains students in the fundamental techniques of designing and manufacturing dental prostheses. This three-year curriculum combines general and technical teaching to prepare future professionals for the demands of the trade.

Once they've passed their vocational bac, students continue their training with a BTS Prothèse Dentaire or a CAP. These diplomas enable students to perfect advanced techniques, thanks in particular to the integration of innovative technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing. The BTS also offers prospects of advancement to positions of responsibility or specialization in specific areas of dental prosthetics.

Throughout their studies, students complete internships in dental laboratories. These periods of work experience are essential for developing practical skills, learning the rules of the trade and adapting to the demands of the sector. They also enable students to establish professional contacts, making it easier to enter the job market by accessing better dental prosthetics job offers.

This structured course, combining theory and practice, guarantees future dental technicians a comprehensive training adapted to the sector's technological developments.

To learn more about this aspect of the business, browse our dental prosthetics fact sheet.

Essential skills to become a dental technician

The profession of dental technician requires a combination of technical, artistic and interpersonal skills to design precise and aesthetic dental prostheses, a non-exhaustive list of which follows:

Technical skills:

• Maîtrise des matériaux dentaires : an in-depth knowledge of materials such as ceramics, rhea, zirconia or metal alloys is essential for choosing the most suitable for each type of prosthesis.
• Use of tools and technologies: the manipulation of traditional tools (milling machines, grinders) and digital technologies (CAD/CAM, 3D printing, intra-oral scanners) makes it possible to réalize custom prosthetics with précision.
• Reading and interpreting dental impressions: understanding impressions and dentists' instructions is fundamental to creating perfectly fitting devices.

Artistic skills:

• Sense of aesthetics: a good eye for shapes, colors and textures is necessary to reproduce the natural appearance of teeth.
• Dextérité manual: precision of gesture is essential for sculpting and adjusting meticulous pieces.

Organizational and relational skills:

• Carefulness and meticulousness: adherence to quality standards and procedures ensures patient safety and comfort.
• Ability to work as part of a team: good communication with dentists and other team members is essential to understanding the specific needs of each patient.
• Time management: knowing how to prioritize tasks and meet manufacturing deadlines is crucial in a laboratory.

The working conditions of a dental technician

Working environment: laboratory or indépendant

The dental technician works mainly in a dental laboratory, where he or she collaborates with dentists to manufacture and fit custom-made prostheses. These laboratories can be small, specialized in certain types of prostheses, or larger with more structured production lines.

It is also possible for a prosthetist to work as an independent or to set up his or her own laboratory. This route offers greater freedom in managing the business, choosing partners and organizing work, but also involves commercial and administrative management.

Working hours and pace

The working hours of a prosthetist are generally regular, often during the day, alternating with periods of low and high demand. During the latter, extra hours may be needed to finalize orders.

The work rate of the dental technician also depends on the complexity of the prostheses produced. More technical or aesthetic devices require greater attention to detail and therefore more manufacturing time.

Les débouchés et perspectives de carrière

Évolution to laboratory manager positions

With experience, a dental technician can progress to laboratory manager. This role involves supervising a team of dental technicians, organizing production, managing orders and handling commercial relations with dentists. The position also involves ensuring compliance with quality and hygiene standards.

Creating its own laboratory

The creation of a laboratory is an opportunity for prosthetists wishing to become entrepreneurs. It allows you to choose your specialities (fixed, mobile, esthetic prosthetics) and develop a loyal customer base. This option offers great autonomy, but also requires business management skills and significant financial investment, which can be risky.

Specialization in certain types of prostheses

The prosthetist may choose to specialize in specific fields to better respond to market requirements and brand himself. Possible areas of specialization include:

• The prothèses on implants, which require advanced technical skills.
• The prothèses esthétiques, where précision and artistry are essential.
• The orthèses and gouttières, which require précision work adapted to patients' functional needs.

Specialization enables us to broaden our technical skills, attract new customers and position ourselves in niche markets.

In résumé, the prothésist dental technician offers varied working conditions and diversified career prospects, from team management to entrepreneurship or specialization in advanced techniques. It's an exciting, fast-moving career that's of great benefit to public health.

To find out more about this profession, visit our dental prosthesis salary sheet.