Restorative Dentistry
- Dental Laboratory Technology - AAS
- Department Courses
- Download Catalog Entry →
- Department Course Codes: DL
The dental laboratory technician designs, constructs and repairs all types of dental prosthetic appliances according to the dentist's prescription and provides an essential support service for the dental profession. The field requires a degree of manual dexterity, good artistic sense and the ability to understand and interpret the dental prescription.
The National Institute of Business Management identified Dental Technology as the 3rd fastest growing profession in the United States; Newsday survey placed it 2nd in New York State, and the United States Occupational Handbook listed it as growing much faster than the national average.
The program in dental laboratory technology provides a balanced program of study which includes all phases of dental technology, related sciences (chemistry, metallurgy and non-metallic chemistry), dental anatomy and the legal and business aspects of dental laboratory operation and courses in general education, as required by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, the board which accredits the dental technology program. In addition to this accreditation, the department has been recognized as a Certified Dental Laboratory by the National Association of Dental Laboratories. City Tech is the first and only college to achieve this certification in all five major areas of prosthodontic fabrication -complete dentures, crown & bridge, ceramics, orthodontics and partial dentures.
The graduate is prepared for employment in a commercial dental laboratory, in the laboratory of a V.A. hospital, dental school or in a dental office. Some graduates secure employment with dental manufacturers as research assistants or sales representatives. Among the employers of the graduates of this program are: So-Mar Dental Studio, Northern Dental Lab, Veterans Administration Hospital (23rd Street) and Aim Dental Studio. Over the years many graduates have gone on to dental school or to teaching positions in dental technology schools. Many department alumni are the owners of labs in the New York area.
At the end of the fourth semester, students who have completed all laboratory courses are permitted to take the recognized graduate examination which is administered by the National Board for Certification (NBC). Pass rates for our students over the past five years have averaged 98%. This is the preliminary examination leading to certification (C.D.T.). The final (or practical) portion of the certification examination may be taken in one or more of the specialties. After completing the RG examination, recognized graduates have four years to take and pass the written specialty and practical exam to become a CDT.
Graduates may pursue baccalaureate degrees here at City Tech through the CUNY baccalaureate program or the occupational teacher education or technology teacher B.S. in Ed. programs.
Approximate Additional Costs
All dental technology students are required to purchase tools, uniforms and books which are used during the four semesters.
| 1st Semester | |
|---|---|
| Uniform | $28 |
| Tools and Supplies | $355 |
| Books | $150 |
| 2nd Semester | |
| Tools and Supplies | $170 |
| 3rd Semester | |
| Tools and Supplies | $65 |
| Books | $37 |
| 4th Semester | |
| Tools and Supplies | $100 |
| R.G. Examination | $190 |
Criteria for Admission into and Progression within the Dental Laboratory Technology Curriculum
Students may apply for admission to the dental laboratory technology program either as freshmen or through transfer from another curriculum.
Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of "C" in all courses which begin with the prefix "DL". Students may repeat a course only once.
Placement in the Dental Laboratory Technology Program
A high school diploma or a New York State equivalency diploma is required for admission to the college. However, in order to be programmed for the full program of dental lab courses, an applicant must be CUNY certified in reading and writing and math. All new students and transfer students who do not meet the above criteria will be classified as pre-clinical dental laboratory technology students and will be considered to be members of the department of dental laboratory technology. During this period students will be programmed for developmental skills as needed.
After completion of all required remedial courses with a Satisfactory (S) rating, the student will be admitted to the dental laboratory technology courses as space permits. Completion of the pre-clinical portion of the curriculum does not guarantee progression into clinical courses. If the number of students meeting the stated criteria exceed the available places, seats will be allocated on the basis of the highest cumulative academic average.
Transfer into the Dental Laboratory Technology Curriculum
Students who wish to transfer into dental laboratory technology from another college curriculum must meet the following criteria: (a) they must meet all prerequisite criteria; (b) they must have a cumulative average of 2.0 or better.
* May vary according to specialization chosen
in 4th semester
**Recognized Graduate Examination National
