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.
What is 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.
Background required
To be admitted to the course directly from school, you should have attained a minimum of 14 credits in each of two National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 approved subjects (or equivalent) from science, mathematics or technology.
Career opportunities
Dental technology is a global profession. Throughout the world, there is a high demand for skilled dental technicians. The high skill base that New Zealand dental technicians achieve makes them desirable to overseas employers.
In New Zealand and Australia, dental technicians are employed by commercial dental laboratories. These laboratories provide the bulk of work for the private dental industry, the defence forces, hospitals and state dental services.
The ratio of employer to employee is approximately 1:3, and many dental technicians ultimately set up business for themselves. There are no barriers to becoming self-employed.
The areas within the profession are diverse, with individuals specialising in different areas of dental technology.
Dental Technology at Otago
The University of Otago’s Bachelor of Dental Technology programme is the only one in New Zealand. It is a three-year degree programme taught within the Faculty of Dentistry.
This creates long-lasting relationships with other dental health professionals and establishes the right dental care perspective from day one.
During your study, you will learn about the oral environment, biomaterials, design principles and practical skills in designing and fabricating appliances for the mouth.
These appliances include:
- artificial teeth (such as complete dentures)
- partial dentures
- implants
- mouth guards
- crowns
- bridges
- removable orthodontic appliances.
Postgraduate Dental Technology
If you wish to take your knowledge beyond the Bachelor of Dental Technology, there is a range of postgraduate study options.
A fourth-year honours programme is available for students who achieve high academic grades. There are further opportunities for higher study through the Master of Dental Technology and PhD programmes.
For those interested in treating patients, there is a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology. Graduates of this programme can offer a removable denture service direct to patients.
Professional registration
The profession of dental technician is registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2004). Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Technology programme are automatically entitled to register with the New Zealand Dental Council in order to practise as a registered dental technician.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech)
- Bachelor of Dental Technology with Honours (BDentTech(Hons)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology (PGDipCDTech)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology (PGDipDentTech)
- Master of Dental Technology (MDentTech)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech)
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health DTEC 101 Dental Materials 1 DTEC 102 Dental Technology 1 DTEC 103 Oral Health Sciences for Dental Technology PHSI 191 Biological Physics | 18 18 51 15 18 |
| 2nd year | DTEC 201 Dental Materials 2 DTEC 202 Dental Technology 2 DTEC 203 Dental Technology 3 DTEC 204 Applied Design for Orthodontics | 18 45 45 12 |
| 3rd year | DTEC 301 SSpecial Topic: Dental Technology Research DTEC 302 Dental Technology 4 DTEC 303 Practice Management MART 205 Marketing the Professional Practice | 45 45 12 18 |
Notes: The due date for applications for first enrolment in the programme is 15 September in the year preceding that in which the programme is to be commenced. Late applications may be considered.
Students who have passed CHEM 191 and/or PHSI 191 will not be required to repeat those papers. Those who have passed approved equivalents may be eligible for exemption from CHEM 191 and/or PHSI 191. Students who are not required to take CHEM 191 and/or PHSI 191 will normally be recommended to take additional approved papers.
Bachelor of Dental Technology with Honours (BDentTech(Hons)) (Option B)
| Stage | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st - 3rd years | Prerequisites: All requirements for the ordinary degree of Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) | |
| 4th stage | DTEC 490 Dental Technology Research 3 | 120 |
Note: The due date for applications for Enrolment in the Fourth Stage is 1 November in the year in which the applicant completes the requirements for the ordinary BDentTech degree. |
Bachelor of Dental Technology with Honours (BDentTech(Hons)) (Option A)
| Stage | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
1st year | Prerequisite: Health Sciences First Year Course Notes: | 126 |
2nd year | Prerequisites: DTEC 102 Dental Technology 1 DTEC 103 Oral Health Sciences for Dental Technology DTEC 105 Dental Materials 3 DTEC 204 Applied Design for Orthodontics MART 205 Marketing the Professional Practice | 51 15 30 12 18 |
| 3rd stage | DTEC 202 Dental Technology 2 DTEC 203 Dental Technology 3 DTEC 205 Dental Materials 4 DTEC 303 Practice Management DTEC 491 Dental Technology Research 1 | 45 45 6 12 25 |
| 4th stage | DTEC 302 Dental Technology 4 DTEC 492 Dental Technology Research 2 | 45 95 |
Note: |
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology (PGDipCDTech)
| Papers |
|---|
Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology (PGDipDentTech)
| Papers |
|---|
DTEC 501 Advanced Dental Materials Science; and Two of |
Master of Dental Technology (MDentTech)
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
Papers
Key information for future students
Contact us
Department of Oral Rehabilitation
Faculty of Dentistry
Email dentistry@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/dentaltechnology
