Dental Technician vs. Dentist: What Are the Differences?

Dental technicians and dentists are both important members of the dental care team. Dental technicians use their skills to create dental prosthetics, while dentists use their knowledge to diagnose and treat dental problems. If you’re interested in working in the dental field, understanding the differences between these two positions can help you decide which one is right for you. In this article, we compare the job titles dental technician and dentist, and we discuss the similarities and differences between the two.

What is a Dental Technician?

Dental Technicians work in laboratories to make dental prosthetics, such as dentures, bridges and crowns. They use a variety of materials, including metals, porcelain and plastics, to create these devices. Dental Technicians often work from dental impressions or models of teeth to create customized devices that fit each patient’s mouth. They use a variety of hand and power tools to carve, shape and polish the prosthetics. Once they’re finished, they send the prosthetics to the dentist or dental laboratory for final fitting.

What is a Dentist?

Dentists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of oral diseases and disorders. They examine patients’ teeth, gums and mouths to assess their oral health and diagnose any problems. They may also take x-rays and order other tests to gather more information. Dentists use a variety of tools to clean teeth, remove decay and repair damage. They may also place fillings, crowns or bridges. Dentists may also provide guidance on how to care for teeth and gums and prevent oral health problems.

Dental Technician vs. Dentist

Here are the main differences between a dental technician and a dentist.

Job Duties

One of the biggest differences between a dental technician and a dentist is the type of job duties they have. Dentists are responsible for performing check-ups, diagnosing issues and providing treatment to patients with oral health problems. As a medical professional, dentists must follow their patients’ care plans and schedule regular appointments.

Dental technicians assist dentists by performing supportive tasks during patient procedures. They may take x-rays, clean equipment and help prepare patients for treatment. Depending on the facility where they work, dental technicians may also provide basic customer service to patients, such as answering questions about treatment plans and scheduling future appointments.

Job Requirements

Dental technicians typically need to complete a dental technician program at a community college or technical school. These programs usually last about two years and include coursework in topics like dental materials, teeth anatomy and laboratory procedures. Some states also require dental technicians to be licensed.

To become a dentist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. After completing your undergraduate studies, you must then attend dental school for four years. During your time in dental school, you will take classes on topics like oral anatomy, tooth development and pharmacology. You will also participate in clinical rotations, where you will gain hands-on experience treating patients. Once you have completed dental school, you must obtain a license to practice dentistry in your state.

Work Environment

Dental technicians work in a variety of environments, depending on the type of practice they’re employed by. For example, some dental technicians work for private practices that offer general care to patients. These professionals may work in offices or other locations where they can perform procedures and meet with patients.

Other dental technicians work for hospitals, universities or government agencies. These professionals often travel between different facilities to provide services to patients. They also may work in laboratories to develop new products and materials for use in dentistry.

Skills

Both dental technicians and dentists use problem-solving skills to figure out the best way to address a patient’s dental needs. They also both need excellent manual dexterity to perform their tasks accurately.

Dental technicians typically use communication skills when they are working with dentists to discuss cases and develop treatment plans. They also use artistic skills when they are creating dental prosthetics, such as crowns, bridges and implants. In contrast, dentists use communication skills when they are discussing treatment options with patients and providing instructions on how to care for their teeth.

While both dental technicians and dentists need to have an understanding of basic anatomy and physiology, dental technicians may benefit from having a more in-depth knowledge of these concepts. This is because they often need to create dental prosthetics that must fit precisely into a patient’s mouth. Dentists also need to have a strong understanding of anatomy and physiology, but they also need to be able to diagnose and treat dental conditions.

Salary

The average salary for a dental technician is $52,408 per year, while the average salary for a dentist is $176,129 per year. The salary for a dental technician may vary depending on the type of work they do, their location and their experience level. A dentist’s salary may vary depending on the type of work they do, their location, their experience level and their education level.