Dentekniska

Dentekniska is a term used to describe the field of dental technology, encompassing the design, fabrication, and adjustment of dental prosthetics and related devices. Practitioners, often referred to as dental technicians or dental technologists, typically work in dental laboratories under the supervision of dentists. The scope includes crowns, bridges, dentures, implant-supported restorations, orthodontic appliances, surgical guides, and occlusal appliances such as night guards. In modern practice, dentekniska also covers aspects of digital dentistry, including computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), intraoral scanning, and 3D printing.

Education and professional roles vary by country. Programs leading to associate or bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, or certificates in dental technology are common, with some regions relying on formal apprenticeships. Core skills include dental anatomy, materials science, esthetics, precise craftsmanship, design, and quality control. Dental technicians collaborate closely with dentists to interpret prescriptions, select appropriate materials, fabricate prosthetics, perform finishes, and conduct trial fittings before delivery to patients.

Materials and technologies used in dentekniska range from ceramics and zirconia to acrylic resins and metal alloys, alongside advanced polymers and composites. Finishing, polishing, and careful characterization of occlusion are essential to ensure fit, function, and comfort. The workflow typically proceeds from prescription and impression or digital scan to fabrication, try-in, adjustments, and final delivery, with ongoing communication between the laboratory and dental practice.

In usage, dentekniska is often associated with the Swedish-language term for dental technology, where professionals are known as tandtekniker; in English contexts the field is referred to as dental technology or dental laboratory work.