Entry-Level Program - Dental Laboratory Technology - The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Allied Health Sciences

Entry-Level Program

THE PROFESSION

The dental laboratory technician performs the laboratory aspects of dentistry - fabricating dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, maxillofacial and orthodontic appliances. A highly trained craftsman, the technician fills prescriptions written by dentists who specify the prosthesis or appliance to be fabricated and the materials to be used in construction. Upon completion of the program, the graduate receives a certificate in dental laboratory technology.

The professional dental laboratory technician must have knowledge of dental anatomy, tooth morphology and dental materials in order to perform the extremely intricate procedures required for dental laboratory work. Artistic and technical aptitudes are especially valuable in this profession. The dental laboratory technician whose products will affect the well being of dental patients must demonstrate the same high ethical standards demanded of all healthcare professionals.

Employment opportunities are available in commercial laboratories, as employees, managers or owners; in private dental offices; in civil service positions; in laboratories or as field representatives of dental supply manufacturers; or in institutional programs. Sales positions with dental supply firms, laboratory management, and teaching and research opportunities are open to technicians with experience and advanced education.

THE PROGRAM

The entry-level Program in Dental Laboratory Technology is 2 years in duration. The program begins in the fall semester, with the first year followed by an eight-week summer session. The second academic year concludes in the spring. In addition to liberal arts prerequisite courses (English Composition and Speech), dental sciences and clinical experience comprise the curriculum of the program. Upon certification for graduation, students may take the Recognized Graduate Examination sponsored by the National Board for Certification. Successful completion of this examination is accepted as completion of Part I of the certifying examination in Dental Laboratory Technology.

Admission Requirements

Completion of an accredited high school program or its equivalent (GED) with a minimum grade average of "C."
Submission of official transcripts from all academic institutions including high school.
Applicants will be required to have college credit for the following prerequisites, each completed with a grade of "C" or better:
English Composition - 3 semester hours
Speech - 3 semester hours

Please Note: If accepted, students are required to pass all three sections of the THEA exam, or be classified as THEA exempt before enrolling in classes at UTHSCSA.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Application for admission to the Dental Laboratory Technology Program should be submitted between September 1 and June 1. Individuals must be accepted for admission before applying for financial aid. Therefore, it is important for individuals anticipating the need for financial aid to complete the acceptance process and file for financial aid as early as possible.

Before an applicant can be considered for admission, official transcripts from all educational institutions attended must be on file in the Registrar's Office. Reports of official test scores on entrance exams also must be a part of the applicant's file.

Admission to the dental laboratory technology program is competitive. Approximately 24 students can be admitted each year, depending upon available laboratory space. Applicants are reviewed by an admissions committee, and individuals who are eligible for admission are invited for a personal interview.

TRANSFERABLE COURSES - Previous course work which is equivalent to program requirements or prerequisites will be accepted for transfer, and the student will be exempted from those courses. Credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine transferable courses. Such exemptions may lower total tuition costs. Although the student's semester course load will be lighter because of exemptions, the length of the program will not be shortened.

CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS - Courses in the curriculum which may be challenged by examination for credit by individuals with some knowledge of dental science include Dental Anatomy, Practical Infection Control and Dental Materials. Challenge exams must be completed before the beginning of the first semester of the program. Arrangements to challenges can be made through the Department Chair.

ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS - Estimated costs of the entry-level program for tuition and fees, parking permits, health insurance, etc., are approximately $9800. In addition, costs for other expenses, such as textbooks, course manuals, equipment, uniforms or scrubs, professional examination, and supplies, are approximately $3700. Non-resident students are subject to additional tuition costs. For a breakdown of costs, tuition tables and a list of fees, see Financial Information in the Applicant Viewbook.

CURRICULUM

The curriculum for Dental Laboratory Technology includes liberal arts as well as dental science courses. Students work with faculty and students of the Dental School, fabricating prosthetic appliances needed for patients treated in the outpatient clinic. A preceptorship in the final semester provides students with an opportunity to work in a commercial or government dental laboratory under the supervision of an experienced technician.

Courses in the curriculum, their usual sequence and credit hours are summarized below:

First Year

Fall Semester
DELT 1030: Intro. to Dental Lab. Technology/Infection Control - 1.5 Credit Hours
DELT 1009: Dental Anatomy - 3.0
DELT 1012: Complete Dentures I Lec - 2.0
DELT 1013: Complete Dentures I Lab - 1.5
DELT 1016: Fixed Restorative Techniques I Lec - 2.0
DELT 1017: Fixed Restorative Techniques I Lab - 1.5
DELT 1018: Removable Partial I Lec - 2.0
DELT 1019: Removable Partial I Lab - 1.5
DELT 1005: Chemistry and Physics of Dental Matl - 3.0
Semester subtotal: 18.0

Spring Semester
DELT 1014: Complete Dentures II Lec - 2.0
DELT 1015: Complete Dentures II Lab - 1.5
DELT 1022: Fixed Restorative II Lec - 2.0
DELT 1023: Fixed Restorative II Lab - 1.5
DELT 1026: Removable Partial II Lec - 2.0
DELT 1027: Removable Partial II Lab - 1.5
DELT 1053: Orthodontics/Pedodontics I Lec - 2.0
DELT 1054: Orthodontics/Pedodontics I Lab - 1.5
Semester subtotal: 14.0

- - - - - -

Second Year

Summer Semester
DELT 2067: Orthodontics/Pedodontics/Max II Lec - 2.0
DELT 2068: Orthodontics/Pedodontics/Max II Lab - 1.5
DELT 2024: Fixed Restorative III Lec - 1.0
DELT 2025: Fixed Restorative III Lab - 1.5
DELT 3018: Osseointegration - 3.0
Semester subtotal: 9.0

Fall Semester
DELT 4010: Dental Laboratory Practice Mgmt - 4.0
DELT 2063: Selective Lec - 2.0
DELT 2064: Selective Lab - 6.0
Semester subtotal: 12.0

Second Spring Semester
DELT 2091: Dental Laboratory Technical Seminar - 2.0
DELT 2072: Preceptorship Lecture/Seminar - 1.5
DELT 2073: Preceptorship Clinical/Lab - 8.5
Semester subtotal: 12.0

Program Total: 65.0

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - Click here to see current course descriptions


WELCOME MESSAGE WHAT IS A DENTAL LAB TECHNOLOGIST? ENTRY-LEVEL PROGRAM BACHELOR of SCIENCE PROGRAM APPLICATION INFO CONTINUING EDUCATION FACULTY & STAFF CONTACT & SITE INFO		Entry-Level Program THE PROFESSION The dental laboratory technician performs the laboratory aspects of dentistry - fabricating dentures, crowns, bridges, implants, maxillofacial and orthodontic appliances. A highly trained craftsman, the technician fills prescriptions written by dentists who specify the prosthesis or appliance to be fabricated and the materials to be used in construction. Upon completion of the program, the graduate receives a certificate in dental laboratory technology. The professional dental laboratory technician must have knowledge of dental anatomy, tooth morphology and dental materials in order to perform the extremely intricate procedures required for dental laboratory work. Artistic and technical aptitudes are especially valuable in this profession. The dental laboratory technician whose products will affect the well being of dental patients must demonstrate the same high ethical standards demanded of all healthcare professionals. Employment opportunities are available in commercial laboratories, as employees, managers or owners; in private dental offices; in civil service positions; in laboratories or as field representatives of dental supply manufacturers; or in institutional programs. Sales positions with dental supply firms, laboratory management, and teaching and research opportunities are open to technicians with experience and advanced education. THE PROGRAM The entry-level Program in Dental Laboratory Technology is 2 years in duration. The program begins in the fall semester, with the first year followed by an eight-week summer session. The second academic year concludes in the spring. In addition to liberal arts prerequisite courses (English Composition and Speech), dental sciences and clinical experience comprise the curriculum of the program. Upon certification for graduation, students may take the Recognized Graduate Examination sponsored by the National Board for Certification. Successful completion of this examination is accepted as completion of Part I of the certifying examination in Dental Laboratory Technology. Admission Requirements Completion of an accredited high school program or its equivalent (GED) with a minimum grade average of "C." Submission of official transcripts from all academic institutions including high school. Applicants will be required to have college credit for the following prerequisites, each completed with a grade of "C" or better: English Composition - 3 semester hours Speech - 3 semester hours Please Note: If accepted, students are required to pass all three sections of the THEA exam, or be classified as THEA exempt before enrolling in classes at UTHSCSA. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Application for admission to the Dental Laboratory Technology Program should be submitted between September 1 and June 1. Individuals must be accepted for admission before applying for financial aid. Therefore, it is important for individuals anticipating the need for financial aid to complete the acceptance process and file for financial aid as early as possible. Before an applicant can be considered for admission, official transcripts from all educational institutions attended must be on file in the Registrar's Office. Reports of official test scores on entrance exams also must be a part of the applicant's file. Admission to the dental laboratory technology program is competitive. Approximately 24 students can be admitted each year, depending upon available laboratory space. Applicants are reviewed by an admissions committee, and individuals who are eligible for admission are invited for a personal interview. TRANSFERABLE COURSES - Previous course work which is equivalent to program requirements or prerequisites will be accepted for transfer, and the student will be exempted from those courses. Credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine transferable courses. Such exemptions may lower total tuition costs. Although the student's semester course load will be lighter because of exemptions, the length of the program will not be shortened. CHALLENGE EXAMINATIONS - Courses in the curriculum which may be challenged by examination for credit by individuals with some knowledge of dental science include Dental Anatomy, Practical Infection Control and Dental Materials. Challenge exams must be completed before the beginning of the first semester of the program. Arrangements to challenges can be made through the Department Chair. ESTIMATED PROGRAM COSTS - Estimated costs of the entry-level program for tuition and fees, parking permits, health insurance, etc., are approximately $9800. In addition, costs for other expenses, such as textbooks, course manuals, equipment, uniforms or scrubs, professional examination, and supplies, are approximately $3700. Non-resident students are subject to additional tuition costs. For a breakdown of costs, tuition tables and a list of fees, see Financial Information in the Applicant Viewbook. CURRICULUM The curriculum for Dental Laboratory Technology includes liberal arts as well as dental science courses. Students work with faculty and students of the Dental School, fabricating prosthetic appliances needed for patients treated in the outpatient clinic. A preceptorship in the final semester provides students with an opportunity to work in a commercial or government dental laboratory under the supervision of an experienced technician. Courses in the curriculum, their usual sequence and credit hours are summarized below: First Year Fall Semester DELT 1030: Intro. to Dental Lab. Technology/Infection Control - 1.5 Credit Hours DELT 1009: Dental Anatomy - 3.0 DELT 1012: Complete Dentures I Lec - 2.0 DELT 1013: Complete Dentures I Lab - 1.5 DELT 1016: Fixed Restorative Techniques I Lec - 2.0 DELT 1017: Fixed Restorative Techniques I Lab - 1.5 DELT 1018: Removable Partial I Lec - 2.0 DELT 1019: Removable Partial I Lab - 1.5 DELT 1005: Chemistry and Physics of Dental Matl - 3.0 Semester subtotal: 18.0 Spring Semester DELT 1014: Complete Dentures II Lec - 2.0 DELT 1015: Complete Dentures II Lab - 1.5 DELT 1022: Fixed Restorative II Lec - 2.0 DELT 1023: Fixed Restorative II Lab - 1.5 DELT 1026: Removable Partial II Lec - 2.0 DELT 1027: Removable Partial II Lab - 1.5 DELT 1053: Orthodontics/Pedodontics I Lec - 2.0 DELT 1054: Orthodontics/Pedodontics I Lab - 1.5 Semester subtotal: 14.0 - - - - - - Second Year Summer Semester DELT 2067: Orthodontics/Pedodontics/Max II Lec - 2.0 DELT 2068: Orthodontics/Pedodontics/Max II Lab - 1.5 DELT 2024: Fixed Restorative III Lec - 1.0 DELT 2025: Fixed Restorative III Lab - 1.5 DELT 3018: Osseointegration - 3.0 Semester subtotal: 9.0 Fall Semester DELT 4010: Dental Laboratory Practice Mgmt - 4.0 DELT 2063: Selective Lec - 2.0 DELT 2064: Selective Lab - 6.0 Semester subtotal: 12.0 Second Spring Semester DELT 2091: Dental Laboratory Technical Seminar - 2.0 DELT 2072: Preceptorship Lecture/Seminar - 1.5 DELT 2073: Preceptorship Clinical/Lab - 8.5 Semester subtotal: 12.0 Program Total: 65.0 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - Click here to see current course descriptions
Welcome Message \| What is a Dental Lab Tech? \| Certificate Program \| Bachelor's of Science Program Application Information \| Continuing Education \| Faculty & Staff \| Contact & Site Information Applicant Information \| UTHSCSA Homepage School of Allied Health Sciences © 1998-2004 UTHSCSA School of Allied Health Sciences. All rights reserved. Updated 01 Nov 2004