A dental technician is a professional who makes dental appliances such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and braces. They work in dental laboratories, using a mix of handcraft and technology to create custom devices that help people eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Dental technicians follow detailed instructions from dentists to ensure that each appliance fits perfectly and looks natural. The job involves working with materials like metal, ceramics, and plastics, and often using specialised equipment such as 3D printers and computer-aided design (CAD) software. It is a great career if you enjoy practical work, have good attention to detail, and want to help improve people's health and wellbeing.
Dental technicians in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on experience and specialisation.
There are about 6,000 dental technicians employed across the UK, working in both NHS and private laboratories.
Most dental technicians work 37 to 40 hours a week, mainly during weekdays.
Orthodontic technicians create braces and other devices to help straighten teeth and improve dental alignment under the guidance of an orthodontist.
Crown and bridge technicians specialise in making crowns, bridges, and other fixed dental restorations that replace or cover parts of teeth.
Denture technicians focus on designing and making dentures to replace missing teeth and help people chew and speak properly.
Find out what a dental technician’s daily job involves and what types of dental appliances they make.
Read articles or watch videos about dental technicians. Try to learn about the different areas they can specialise in, such as making crowns, bridges, or orthodontic appliances. This will help you understand if this is a job you would enjoy.
Arrange a visit or work experience at a local dental laboratory to see technicians in action.
Contact your school’s careers advisor or local dental labs to ask about shadowing a technician or spending a day observing. This practical insight will give you a better idea of the working environment and the skills needed.
Focus on subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Design Technology in school.
Good GCSEs (or equivalent) in science and design subjects will help prepare you for the technical aspects of dental technology. Consider taking A-levels or equivalent in related subjects if you plan to go on to further study.
Apply for a recognised dental technology course, such as a BTEC, HND, or a Foundation Degree.
In the UK, you can study for a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Technology or a Foundation Degree/HND. Alternatively, you can complete a degree apprenticeship in dental technology, which combines work and study. Courses are usually offered at colleges or universities accredited by the General Dental Council.
Start working in a dental laboratory as a trainee to gain hands on experience.
Many dental laboratories offer trainee positions to those who have finished their studies or are studying part time. This is a great way to learn practical skills and build your confidence in making dental appliances.
Once qualified, register with the General Dental Council (GDC) to work as a dental technician in the UK.
Registration with the GDC is a legal requirement. It shows you have met the professional standards and are allowed to work as a dental technician. You can also join professional organisations for further development.
Dental hygienists clean patients' teeth, give advice on oral hygiene, and help prevent dental problems.
Dental nurses assist dentists during treatments, prepare instruments, and look after patients in the surgery.
Orthodontic technicians specialise in making devices like braces and retainers that help straighten teeth.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Dental Technician. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
Dental technician is most closely aligned with Pharmacy technician in terms of qualifications because both require specialised technical training in a healthcare setting, involving the fabrication of technical components—dental prosthetics and medication preparation respectively. They also both work under the supervision of healthcare professionals and require precise manual skills and attention to detail.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree or degree in dental technology approved by the General Dental Council.
It's likely you'll need a degree to do advanced dental technology work.
You'll usually need:
You could do a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Technology approved by the General Dental Council.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to apply to do a Dental Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
This can take around 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
You'll usually need:
You could start as a trainee dental technician with a practice and study part time.
This could take up to 5 years depending on which qualification you do.
you'll need to register with the General Dental Council
You can join the Dental Technologists Association (DTA) for professional development and training opportunities.
You can find out more about how to become a dental technician from Health Careers.
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