tanntekniker

tanntekniker, or dental technician, is a trained professional who designs, fabricates, and repairs dental prostheses and appliances according to dentists’ prescriptions. They translate impressions, digital scans, and notes into physical restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, inlays and onlays, and orthodontic devices. They may also prepare and fit implant-supported components in collaboration with dentists.

Work is performed in dental laboratories or the laboratory sections of clinics. Tasks include selecting materials (metals, ceramics, polymers), building and layering restorations, firing and finishing ceramic work, and performing adjustments, repairs, relines, and polishing. Digital technology is increasingly used, with CAD/CAM design, 3D printing, and digital scanning guiding the production process.

Education and regulation: Training typically involves a vocational or technical program in dental technology, often combined with a supervised internship. Courses cover dental materials science, anatomy and occlusion, esthetics, and digital dentistry. In many countries, dental technicians work under the supervision or prescription of licensed dentists, and licensing, registration, or certification requirements vary by jurisdiction. Professional organizations provide standards and continuing education.

Skills and environment: The role demands manual dexterity, precision, good color-matching, and strong communication with clinicians. Biocompatibility and sterilization are important considerations. The field is evolving with advances in materials science and digital manufacturing, offering opportunities in private laboratories, dental clinics, and equipment manufacturers.