How to become a dental technologist or technician
Official title: Dental technologists and technicians
Also called: Dental ceramist, Dental technician, Dental technologist, Orthodontic technician, Dental prosthesis maker, Metal dental technician, Apprentice dental technician, Dental laboratory technician, Dental technician apprentice, Dental technician supervisor, Orthodontic dental technician, Certified dental technician (cdt)
Dental technologists and technicians design, prepare and fabricate dentures and dental devices as prescribed by dentists and other specialists. They are employed in dental laboratories. Dental technologists and technicians who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Design, fabricate, modify or repair dental devices including full or partial dentures, orthodontic appliances, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, clasps and bands, and implants
- Ensure proper handling and control of hazardous materials, and adhere to laboratory infection control procedures as required
- May consult with dentists or other specialists on problematic dental cases
- May train and supervise other dental technicians and dental laboratory assistants in fabricating dentures and other dental devices
- May conduct research in the science, techniques and practice of dental technology
- May perform administrative functions for the dental laboratory
How to become one
Dental technologists and technicians are required to complete a college program in dental technology or four or more years of on-the-job training under the supervision of a registered dental technologist or technician. Registration with a regulatory body is required for dental technologists and technicians in all provinces except in Manitoba and the territories.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 50% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Dental support services and allied professions; Dentistry (DDS, DMD); Business administration, management and operations.
- Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required for dental technologists and technicians in all provinces except in Manitoba and the territories.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $56,550 a year The middle half earn $46,800 to $65,618.
- About 6,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 7,100 are projected by 2033. (+10.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a dental technologist or technician?
Dental technologists and technicians are required to complete a college program in dental technology or four or more years of on-the-job training under the supervision of a registered dental technologist or technician. Registration with a regulatory body is required for dental technologists and technicians in all provinces except in Manitoba and the territories.
How much does a dental technologist or technician earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $56,550 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $46,800 to $65,618.
Is a dental technologist or technician a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2033, from about 6,400 to about 7,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a dental technologist or technician?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03