The military provides dental and optical care as part of its comprehensive health service program. Dental and optical laboratory technicians make and repair dental devices and eyeglasses that are provided for military personnel.
What They Do
Dental and optical laboratory technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Make dentures, braces, and other dental or optical devices
- Construct, assemble, repair, and align dental and optical devices (metal braces and retainers, eyeglass frames and lenses)
- Harden and cure dentures or lenses using high temperature ovens or other heat-treating equipment
- Grind, polish, and smooth dentures or lenses using hand or power tools
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include biology, chemistry, and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and work procedures
- Ability to use precision tools and instruments
- Interest in work requiring attention to detail
- Interest in working with one's hands
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice in making and repairing dental and optical devices. Course content varies depending on specialty, but typically includes laboratory operating procedures (for dental or optical specialty). Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Work Environment
Dental and optical laboratory technicians normally work in dental or optical laboratories and occasionally in examination and dispensing offices.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian dental laboratory technicians normally work for small dental laboratories or large dental offices. Optical laboratory technicians work in optical laboratories or for retail opticians. They perform duties similar to military technicians. Civilian optical laboratory technicians may also be called opticians or ophthalmic laboratory technicians.
