Dental laboratory technicians use impressions of a patient's mouth to design and fabricate crowns, bridges, dentures, and other prosthetics. These workers create wax teeth using moulds provided by dentists, which will be utilised as a model to cast a metal framework for the prosthetic device. The metal is then covered with layers of color-matched porcelain to make a perfect copy of the patient's tooth or teeth. 

The vast majority of dental laboratory technicians learn on the job. Some classes may be offered at vocational schools and community colleges. Manual dexterity, keen vision, and the ability to discern fine changes in colour and shape are required qualifications. 

Most dental laboratory technicians never encounter the patients who will benefit from their work. However, their ability to accomplish their professions directly influences not only another person's physical and oral health, but also that person's confidence and self-esteem. And that makes this a special job indeed.