Designing smiles
Dental technology is the technical side of dentistry in which dental technicians make appliances to improve a patient’s appearance, speech or ability to chew.
Dental technicians are a crucial part of the dental team. They use their understanding of dental material science, and their skills of design and fabrication, to recreate people’s teeth.
The satisfaction comes from knowing you have made it possible for that person to smile again.
Applications for the Bachelor of Dental Technology open 1 August and close 15 September.
Why study Dental Technology?
Dental technicians work as part of the dental care team within a dental laboratory, and don't have direct contact with patients. They design and construct artificial teeth (in various forms), and removable orthodontic appliances.
Working with dentists, technicians use a wide range of materials, including gold, porcelain and acrylic, to design and construct appliances to meet each patient's needs.
The fact that the products they make can affect the health and appearance of a person demands a high level of responsibility and accuracy.
Dental technicians work with their hands on detailed and delicate items and have good hand to eye co-ordination. A dental technician learns to visualise in a 3D perspective. They typically have an eye for detail to get things just right.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Dental Technology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology (PGDipCDTech)
A coursework programme, consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-year) or part-time (two-years) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology (PGDipDentTech)
Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology (PGDipDentTech)
Master of Dental Technology (MDentTech)
A one- or two-year programme requiring coursework and a research thesis project, with the option to study part-time over a longer period.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
The MDentTech is currently only available by thesis only. Please contact the Faculty of Dentistry for more information:
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
DTEC papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTEC102 | 2026, 2027 | 3D and Digital Removable Prosthetics 1 | 45 points | Full Year |
| DTEC111 | 2026, 2027 | Fundamental Sciences for Dental Technology | 30 points | Full Year |
| DTEC113 | 2026, 2027 | 3D and Digital Fixed Prosthetics 1 | 45 points | Full Year |
| DTEC201 | 2026, 2027 | Materials Science for Dental Technology | 20 points | Full Year |
| DTEC202 | 2026, 2027 | 3D and Digital Removable Prosthetics 2 | 50 points | Full Year |
| DTEC203 | 2026, 2027 | 3D and Digital Fixed Prosthetics 2 | 50 points | Full Year |
| DTEC303 | 2026, 2027 | Professional Practice | 12 points | Full Year |
| DTEC311 | 2026, 2027 | Applied Research for Dental Technology | 18 points | Full Year |
| DTEC312 | 2026, 2027 | Integrated 3D and Digital Prosthetics | 90 points | Full Year |
| DTEC401 | 2026, 2027 | Denture Prosthodontics 1 | 45 points | Full Year |
| DTEC402 | 2026, 2027 | Denture Prosthodontics 2 | 45 points | Full Year |
| DTEC403 | 2026, 2027 | Dental Health | 30 points | Full Year |
| DTEC411 | 2026, 2027 | Dental Technology Research for Honours | 40 points | Full Year |
| DTEC412 | 2026, 2027 | Dental Technology Practice | 80 points | Full Year |
Contacts
Department of Oral Rehabilitation
Faculty of Dentistry
Email dentistry@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/dentaltechnology
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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