07/01/95

43440 UNIVERSITY DENTAL LABORATORY Series

43441 UNIVERSITY DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN C

43442 UNIVERSITY DENTAL LABORATORY SUPERVISOR C

SERIES CONCEPT

Positions in this series perform or supervise work in the dental laboratory of a university's dental school. The work requires specialized expertise in the fabrication and repair of a variety of dental appliances used by dentists or dental students for their patients. Positions are responsible for a wide range of dental laboratory cases from start to finish and construct or supervise the construction of appliances in conformance with guidelines and specifications prescribed by a licensed dentist. Positions demonstrate laboratory techniques and equipment operations and advise students or assistants on the use of materials, maintenance of equipment, and various methods used in the dental laboratory. Positions construct dental appliances for use as teaching aids by faculty members teaching in the dental school.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of face and mouth anatomy; the characteristics of surrounding tissue, muscle, and bone; and the form, structure, and function of teeth. Considerable knowledge of the materials used in dental appliances and the characteristics, properties, and proper use of those materials. Working skill in the operation and maintenance of dental laboratory instruments and equipment. Ability to utilize a variety of techniques, methods and materials to design, fabricate, construct, and repair dental appliances. Ability to demonstrate laboratory techniques and methods and the use of dental laboratory instruments and equipment. Ability to visualize spatial, anatomical, functional, and aesthetic relationships at all stages in the construction of dental appliances. Demonstrated competence to function as a technician or supervisor in a dental laboratory, to work with dental students, faculty and other personnel, and to ensure the efficient and proper use of materials, instruments, and equipment.

EDUCATION OR TRAINING

Associate (two-year) degree in dental laboratory technology. Must be certified by the National Board for Certification as a Certified Dental Technician.

EXPERIENCE

Considerable experience in the fabrication and repair of a full range of dental appliances.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for education and experience.

GUIDE TO LEVELS

43441 - UNIVERSITY DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN. Positions in this class perform work of considerable difficulty that requires specialized expertise in the fabrication and repair of dental appliances (crowns, bridges, dentures, implant components) used by dentists or dental students under the direction of a dentist. Positions create fixed bridges and crowns (porcelain, full cast, inlays), components of dental implants, resin-retained bridges and rests, complete and partial dentures, surgical stents, and diagnostic wax-ups. Positions use a variety of methods (torch and electric casting, grinding, mixing, pouring, fusing, investing, polishing, shaping, shading, staining, glazing, soldering, bonding) and a variety of instruments and equipment (articulators, Ney surveyors, porcelain furnaces, lathes, drills, grinders, sand blasters, molds, high heat furnaces, induction casting machines, polishers). Technicians use various materials (gold and other alloys, porcelain, resins, waxes, acrylics, composites, acids, other chemicals), perform disinfections procedures, and conduct basic maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment and instruments. Positions fabricate dental appliances to use in teaching student dentists; demonstrate techniques, methods, and equipment use and safety to students; answer student questions; and consult with dentists on design, use of materials, attachments, shading, and staining. Positions typically do not supervise but may provide direction and guidance to students concerning laboratory techniques, materials, methods, and equipment operations. Positions receive general supervision from a University Dental Laboratory Supervisor or other laboratory manager.

43442 - UNIVERSITY DENTAL LABORATORY SUPERVISOR. Positions supervise and evaluate laboratory personnel, implement appropriate policies and procedures, schedule and assign work, and advise on more complex cases. Positions monitor work, ensure safety procedures are followed, train on new procedures, develop and implement quality control procedures, and maintain records. Positions may perform work of considerable difficulty requiring specialized expertise in the fabrication and repair of dental appliances (crowns, bridges, dentures, implant components) used by dentists or dental students, and may demonstrate laboratory techniques and equipment operations, advise on use of materials and methods, and consult with dentists on the design, shading, and staining of more complex cases. Positions receive general supervision from a dentist or dental laboratory manager or administrator.

CLASS SERIES HISTORY

This series was developed by Virginia Commonwealth University for positions in the university's dental school laboratory.