Majors at ECC: Allied Health Division

Text Version

DENTAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

Program Description

Dental laboratory technicians possess skills, competencies, and knowledge invaluable to the modern practice of dentistry. Through the unique dental laboratory technology program, students work with dentists and patients at private dental offices, at dental clinics of the School of Dental Medicine/State University of New York at Buffalo, at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and at cooperating commercial laboratories as they prepare to join the profession and the dental health team.

The goal of the Dental Laboratory Technology program is to train students to be capable of the design, fabrication, and production of dental prostheses, including full and partial dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances.

The curriculum, offered on a full-time basis during the day, highlights coursework in anatomy, physiology, occlusion, biomedical materials, dental metallurgy, dental prostheses, and ceramics technology. Classroom learning is supplemented with laboratory experiences at the college as well as at local hospitals and commercial laboratories.

The dental laboratory technology laboratories at South Campus have been designed to accommodate students confined to wheelchairs.

Employment opportunities are available in commercial dental laboratories, private dental practices, hospitals, public dental health facilities, manufacturers of dental supplies, materials and equipment, and in research facilities and educational institutions. Each year, several graduates attend dental school in order to continue their education.

The RG/Certification examination (National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology) is offered to students at the conclusion of the second year of study. ECC South is the site for the National Board for Certification C.D.T. Specialty Examinations.

Accreditation

The program in Dental Laboratory Technology is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653.

Special Admission Requirements/Prerequisites

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED. Good manual dexterity, color perception, and an aptitude for detail are essential. Students are required to purchase a dental tool kit at the approximate cost $250.

Program Flexibility

Required liberal arts and science courses are available at all three campuses, evenings, and summers. Dental Laboratory Technology courses are offered at South Campus. Although most students begin in September, a limited number are accepted in January as part of the extended curriculum option.

Scholarships Available

  • American Dental Association
  • Dental Laboratory Association, NY
  • ECC Allied Health
  • Ivoclar North America, Inc.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Hegis: 5204
Curriculum Code: 0547
Total Degree Credits: 72.0
Campus Location: South
Allied Health Division