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FAQs
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FAQ

APPLICANTS: One requirement for admission to the Dental Laboratory Technology Program is a pre-admission conference. This may be done in person with the Program Coordinator (Robin Gornto) or by reading the information on this page and then submitting the Interview Form (see link to the left).

Introduction
Dental laboratory technology is a unique health care profession because dental technicians usually do not have close contact with patients. The technicians fabricate custom dental appliances and prostheses as replacements for natural teeth so that a person can eat, smile, and talk as well as or better than before.

Dental technicians make crowns, bridges, complete dentures, orthodontic appliances, and removable partial dentures. Each item is customized to meet the needs of one patient.

The dental technician usually works behind the scenes in a laboratory that may or may not be located near the dental office. The work is prescribed by a dentist similar to the doctor/pharmacist relationship.

The ability to work independently and attention to detail are prime requisites of good dental technicians.

How do I become a dental laboratory technician?
The best method is through formal education at a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (such as the one at Bluegrass Community & Technical College). The other method is through on-the-job training.

Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science degree or a Certificate. Students are prepared for entry-level positions as well as future management and ownership opportunities.

What about laboratory ownership?
Being your own boss has its rewards and many graduates have gone on to own dental laboratory. Kentucky is one of the states that requires special credentials for dental laboratories. Each lab must have at least one Certified Dental Technician (CDT) working in the laboratory.

How do I become a CDT?
Pass three exams:

  • a written Recognized Graduate Exam (or its equivalent)
  • a written Specialty Exam
  • a hands-on Practical Exam

What are specialties in dental laboratory technology?
Most dental technicians specialize in one or two areas of dental technology. The Commission on Dental Accreditation requires students to specialize in at least one of these areas:

  • complete dentures
  • removable partial dentures
  • crown & bridge
  • ceramics
  • orthodontics

Are jobs easy to get?
Employment opportunities for dental technicians are steady with good growth possibilities as the population ages. An increased demand for improved personal appearance has resulted in the expansion of restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

  • small commercial laboratory (2 - 10 employees)
  • large commercial laboratory (11 + employees)
  • dental office
  • government agencies such as dental schools and VA hospitals
  • technical representatives for manufacturing companies
  • dental sales companies
  • teaching positions at dental education programs

How much money do dental technicians make?
Salaries vary widely because of the variety of employment opportunities. Laboratory ownership is usually the highest paying opportunity with owners commanding six-figure salaries.

Experienced dental technicians working in a commercial dental laboratory earn salaries comparable to those in other health care occupations. Entry-level salaries are obviously lower but grow as your speed and experience increases.

Much of the salary differences are due to the different skills of the technician and their responsibilities in the laboratory. One of the hallmarks of the Program at BCTC is the preparation you receive for the higher-end positions of ownership and management.

Salary information can be found at the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What are the application requirements to enter the Dental Laboratory Technology Program at BCTC?

  • Pre-admission conference with the Program Coordinator (or designee). Reading the information on this page and submitting the Interview Form (see link to the left) is one way to complete this requirement.
  • Application to the college (or Letter of Intent for currently enrolled students).
  • Official transcripts of all post-secondary work.
  • ACT results (only needed for students with less than 12 credit hours of non-remedial post-secondary education)
  • Applicants must meet the Technical Standards.

Please contact the Admission's Office if you have further questions about the application process.

Preference may be given to:

  • Applicants who have completed at least 12 credit hours of post-secondary education (non-remedial) with a 2.4 or higher grade point average (on a 4.0 scale);
  • Applicants with an ACT composite score of 19 or above, if less than 12 credit hours of post-secondary education have been earned;
  • Applicants with a baccalaureate or higher degree;
  • Applicants with a certificate or degree in Dental Assisting or Dental Hygiene;
  • Applicants with previous work experience in the dental field; and
  • Kentucky residents.

How much does it cost to attend the Program?
Tuition for full-time students at the Bluegrass Community & Technical College for the Fall 2007 semester is $115 per credit hour for Kentucky residents and $345 per credit hour for non-residents.

Additional fees for students in the Dental Laboratory Technology Program include an instrument kit which costs approximately $370. Textbooks for the entire program cost approximately $400.

The Program loans (free of charge) approximately $2,000 worth of equipment to each student to use.  In addition, all dental supplies and materials are provided free of charge to students.

Are scholarships available?
Yes, some are general scholarships available to all students at BCTC. There are also some available for 2nd year students already enrolled in the DLT Program.

1st year students are eligible for instrument kit scholarships. Winners get the use of an instrument kit while in the Program and they can keep the kit if they graduate with the 2-year degree.

In addition, there are scholarships available from non-BCTC sources like the Health Careers Foundation.

How long does it take to complete the Program?

  • The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a two-year program (classes start each fall).
  • The Certificate Program is one year (classes starting each fall).

What classes do I take during the Program?

What is a typical class schedule?

1st year students

  • Monday - Thursday from 8-12 and Monday afternoon from 1-3

2nd year students

  • Fall semester - Monday 8-12, Tuesday 8-5, Wed 1-5 and Thursday 8-5.
  • Spring semester - varies with student

Everyone needs practice in order to get good. So, the laboratory is open until 5 p.m. each day (noon on Fridays) and students are encouraged to work in the laboratory as much as possible outside of class. It's a great time to develop and practice your skills, work on assigned projects, catch-up or get ahead, experiment, and just generally become a better dental technician. Plan on this time.

What about part-time jobs while in the Program?
This is a tough one. We know you need money to live but you have to keep in mind that this Program is a pretty demanding one that requires not only the daily attendance but extra time in the lab to work on projects as well as homework and studying.

Successfully completing a college degree is really a full-time job. One must set priorities regarding family, school and work.

What is the Commission on Dental Accreditation?
The Commission is the formal group charged with overseeing dental programs. They require Programs to meet a set of standards which ensure that students receive the proper education and training. A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.

Infection Control Protocol
Some tasks performed by faculty, students and technical support personnel in the Dental Laboratory Technology Program at BCTC are classified as Category I tasks as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor.

Standard operating procedures are developed for these tasks that rigorously follow the infection control recommendations and guidelines established by the National Association of Dental Laboratories, American Dental Association and the Centers of Disease Control.

The goal is to provide a safe and healthy working environment for employees and students. The Bluegrass Community & Technical College Dental Laboratory Technology Program ensures that all protective measures are available and that employees and students carry out all aspects of this protocol.

INTERVIEW FORM

If you are an applicant to the Program, and have read the above FAQs, please submit the Interview Form (by clicking on the above link or the one in the left side-bar). This completes the pre-admission conference requirement.  If you have further questions, please contact the Program Coordinator - Robin Gornto (859-246-6244). Thank you. We look forward to meeting you and helping you learn a new career.