Mission

Dental Laboratory Technology program provides for a flexible career which offers several opportunities for advancement. After completing the program, students can be experienced and skilled technicians who own their own laboratories or become department heads where they have supervisory responsibilities.

Overview

Dental laboratory technicians are valuable members of the dental health care team. This 99-credit program consists of basic morphology to advanced hands-on skills and techniques in designing and constructing dental replacements such as crowns, bridges, ceramics, and denture appliances. Students also acquire skills (modeling, wax-up, build-up, creative design, fitting and finishing) that are essential in dentistry. Between July 2022-June 2023, the program’s cumulative enrollment was 13 students and total completers was 1. The percentage of students who completed or graduated as of the end of the last academic year is 100%.

What is Dental Laboratory Technology 

Dental Laboratory Technology is the art and science of creating dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, to restore and enhance patients’ smiles.  

Where We Work 

Dental laboratory technicians can be found working in a variety of settings, including: 

  • Private dental laboratories 
  • Dental clinics and hospitals 
  • Dental schools and research institutions 
  • Dental product manufacturing companies 
  • Own your lab business (with experience) 

Job Outlook

  1. Increasing Demand: Demand is increasing as an aging population and the desire for cosmetic dental procedures.
  2. Career Opportunities: In Virginia, there are about 500 dental labs that are looking for qualified workers. And projected growth rate of this field has been increasing 13% from 2016 to 2026. (U.S. Bureau)
  3. Competitive Salaries: Salaries for dental laboratory technicians are competitive, with opportunities for higher earning potential with experience and specialized skills. The average wage of dental technicians in the United States is $49,930/year, and in Virginia is $59,590/year. (2022, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

What We Learn 

In our program, students learn a variety of skills and techniques to prepare them for a career in the field. Some of the key areas of focus include: 

  1. Dental Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the teeth, gums, and jaw is essential for designing and creating prosthetics that fit and function properly. 
  2. Materials Science: Learning about the different materials used in dental prosthetics, and how to select the most appropriate material for each case. 
  3. Laboratory Techniques: Learning a variety of laboratory techniques to create prosthetics that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. 
  4. CAD/CAM Technology: With the increasing use of digital technology in dentistry, students learn how to use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software to design and fabricate dental prosthetics. 

Major Education Requirements

Number Course Credits
DLT101 Dental Morphology 6
DLT102 Dental Morphology Lab 6
DLT151 Crowns and Bridges I 6
DLT152 Crowns and Bridges Lab I 6
DLT153 Crowns and Bridges II 6
DLT154 Crowns and Bridges Lab II 6
DLT201 Dental Ceramics I 6
DLT202 Dental Ceramics Lab I 6
DLT251 Complete Denture 2
DLT301 CAD/CAM I 2
DLT302 CAD/CAM Lab I 6
DLT303 CAD/CAM II 2
DLT304 CAD/CAM Lab II 6
  Electives (choose 1 course out of below list)  
DLT252 Complete Denture Lab 5
DLT270 Career Development 5
  Total Required Credits   71

 

General Education Requirements

Number Course Credits
BUA101 Introduction to Business 4
BPS102 Business and Professional Speech 4
ENG101 English Composition 4
HIST203 U.S. History 4
SPN101 Introduction to Spanish I 4
SPN102 Introduction to Spanish II 4
BIO102 Introduction to Biology 4
IT101 Introduction to Computer Science 4
MAT101 Algebra 4
MAT201 Pre-Calculus 4
CRT101 Critical Thinking 4
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology 4
SOC101 Introduction to Sociology 4
SOC201 Society and Human Behavior 4
  Total Required Credits (7 courses from above)
Select from at least one of each discipline
28

Instructors

Tananun Sittichen
Tananun Sittichen Dental Lab Technology Instructor
Certificate: Dental Laboratory Technology, Columbia College, VA
Certificate: Dental Radiation and Safety, NOVA, VA
Dental Porcelain Technician: Dental lab in Burke, VA
Dental Porcelain Technician: Dental lab in Centreville, VA
Eunice Shin
Eunice ShinDental Lab Technology Instructor
A.A.S.: Dental Laboratory Technology, Columbia College, VA
Dental CAD/CAM Technician: Dental lab in Annandale, VA
Lucas Kim
Lucas KimDental Lab Technology Instructor
B.A.: Dental Technology, Daegu Health College, South Korea
Dental CAD Designing Technician: LSK121 Oral Prosthetics, IL
CAD Digital Denture Technician: Dentalogy Dental Lab, AR
Dental CAD Designing Technician: Arteeth Dental Lab(AT), VA

Our Program 

  1. Certified Program: The only school in the Washington Metropolitan Area offering Dental Lab Technology, certified by State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). 
  2. Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program suits both degree and job seekers. It provides a well-balanced combination of classroom and laboratory hours, allowing students to acquire essential hands-on skills. 
  3. Industry Recognition: Recognized by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) and maintains membership in the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), ensuring that students receive education that meets industry standards. 
  4. Expert Instructors: Our program is taught by professional instructors with outstanding knowledge and hands-on skills. We also organize field trips and guest speaker sessions to provide students with real-world insights and experiences.