Dental Laboratory Technician
Create Smiles. Build Confidence. Shape the Future of Dental Care.
At Clara Barton High School for Health Professions, our Dental Laboratory Technician Program offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the world of dental healthcare while still in high school. This program is fully accredited by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). It provides a combination of hands-on training and academic knowledge to prepare students for this in-demand career.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the New York State CLT Dental Laboratory Technology Certification Examination, allowing them to enter the workforce with confidence or continue their education to expand their career opportunities.
What is a Dental Laboratory Technician?
Dental Laboratory Technicians are the skilled professionals who bring smiles back to life. They work behind the scenes with dentists to create custom dental prosthetic devices that restore a person’s ability to speak, eat, and smile with ease.
A typical day of a technician might include:
- Restore or replace natural teeth by fabricating crowns, dentures, and implants
- Study dental impressions and computerized models provided by dentists
- Construct prosthetics using wax, ceramic, metal, or plastic materials
- Make adjustments to ensure each piece fits perfectly
This career is ideal for students who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, and paying attention to detail, all while helping others.
What You’ll Learn
Students in this two-year program receive training that blends science, creativity, and practical skills. You’ll gain a strong foundation through coursework and hands-on practice in areas such as:
- Dental and Oral Anatomy & Terminology – Understand the structure and language of dentistry.
- Fabrication Techniques – Learn the process for creating crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Material Science – Explore the properties of metals, ceramics, and plastics used in dental labs.
- Laboratory Safety & Infection Control – Practice safe and sanitary procedures.
- Professional Skills – Learn to read dental prescriptions, follow detailed instructions, and work in a team environment.
Students build on what they learned in their 9th- and 10th-grade Health Occupations Core courses and their Career and Financial Management class, preparing them to step into real-world professional settings with confidence.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Dental Laboratory Technician Program are prepared for entry-level employment in a variety of settings, including dental laboratories, hospitals, dental schools, private practices, and dental supply companies. This program is also an excellent steppingstone for students who wish to continue their education, pursue advanced specializations, and increase their future earning potential.
Your Future Starts Here!
Clara Barton’s Dental Laboratory Technician Program is more than a class; it is a career pathway. Students graduate with practical skills, real-world experience, and the confidence to create meaningful change in people’s lives. With eligibility for state certification and a clear direction for their future, they leave high school prepared to step into the workforce or continue their education. This program gives students the knowledge, training, and inspiration to build a future they can be proud of, one smile at a time.