Dental Laboratory

What does the Dental Laboratory career field do?

Fabricates and repairs dental and maxillofacial prostheses and appliances. Inspects dental laboratory equipment and supervises dental laboratory activities. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 133100.

Duties and responsibilities

• Performs procedures to fabricate and repair complete dental prostheses; fixed and removable partial dental prostheses; and individual crowns, inlays, pontics, splints, stabilizers, and space maintainers. Uses precious and non-precious metals, acrylic resins, and porcelain as basic materials.
• Manages dental laboratory administrative tasks and equipment. Maintains dental laboratory records. Prepares reports on laboratory activities. Requisitions, stores, and issues supplies. Inspects equipment and performs minor maintenance. Reports defective equipment or utilities for corrective action. Accounts for precious metals expended. Inspects and evaluates administrative and technical procedures. Furnishes deficiency reports and outstanding accomplishments to Chief of Dental Services (CDS). Interprets inspection findings and recommends corrective action. Consults and coordinates with CDS for improving procedures. Institutes corrective measures and maintains follow-up action to ensure adequacy and compliance.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: oral anatomy and physiology; inorganic chemistry; metallurgy fundamentals; dental laboratory technology; dental material physical and chemical properties; dental materials; instruments; infection control procedures; dental laboratory technology; dental administration; budgeting; dental laboratory equipment and maintenance requirements.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or college level courses in biology and chemistry is desirable.

Training. The following training is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 4Y032. Completion of a basic dental laboratory course.
• 4Y072. Completion of the advanced dental laboratory course.

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 4Y052. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 4Y032. Also, experience fabricating prosthodontic restorations, including fixed, removable, and orthodontic appliances.
• 4Y072. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 4Y052. Also, experience performing and supervising functions such as fabricating and repairing dental prostheses and appliances.

Other. The following is mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty:
• Normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For award and retention of these AFSCs, must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $42,110–$208,000 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Dental Laboratory Technicians: $42,110
• Orthodontists: $208,000
• Prosthodontists: $208,000