Dental Technicians - Occupations - VTC Occupation Dictionary

Descriptions & Duties

Dental Technicians design, fit and repair dental devices and appliances following prescriptions or instructions. They may examine and measure patients to identify their dental problems and determine their appliance needs. They fabricate dental appliances such as dentures and construct mouth guards, crowns, metal clasps, inlays, bridgework and other aids. They evaluate and modify fitting of appliances.

Generic Competencies

Physical abilities

Technology
skills

Cognitive
abilities

Comprehension and expression

Social skills

Organisation and execution skills

Problem
solving skills

Management
skills

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

Physical strength
Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Technology Skills

Technology skills

Computer literacy
Application of technology

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

Creativity
Visualisation
Logical thinking

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

Reading comprehension
Oral / written expression

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Social Skills

Social skills

Communication
Negotiation
Persuasion

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

Planning
Organising
Judgement
Decision making

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

Importance:3 (Max:5)

Skill is basically required

Management Skills

Management skills

Leadership
Management of finance / time / people / other resources

Importance:2 (Max:5)

Skill is occasionally required

Trade Specific Competencies

Technical skills in designing, fitting and repairing dental devices

Dental Technicians select suitable materials to fabricate functional appliances following prescriptions. They conform the appliances to prescribed contours and may have to adjust to proper fit for patients.