Dental lab technology programs prepare people to make dentures, crowns, caps, and bridges. Students learn oral anatomy. They learn how to use ceramics, make impressions, and finish dental lab products.

If dentistry and art seem like two contrasting careers, think again. Although the overall quality of people's teeth is improving, the need for dental prostheses still exists. Prostheses are replacements for natural teeth or parts of teeth that people have lost. And the process of making dental prosthetics requires not just a steady hand but also a sense of creativity. That's right: that ceramics class you took could prepare you for a career in healthcare!

In addition, you need to be dedicated to dental care. The prosthetic that you make may be the only way a person can eat solid foods. Or, it may help a person feel comfortable smiling and laughing.

As a student in this program (also sometimes called "dental technology"), you learn about the structure and makeup of the mouth. You're an artist, after all, and need to familiarize yourself with your subject! You also learn how to make different kinds of dental prosthetics. That's where the technology comes in. There are many different kinds of materials and techniques that you might use. For example, you might use a gold alloy to make a crown, or porcelain to make a cap.

About 20 schools offer accredited programs in dental laboratory technology. You can earn either a certificate or an associate degree. A certificate usually takes one year of full-time study after high school. An associate degree typically takes two years.