Dental Technology
 Dental Technology is the technical side of dentistry where
dental technicians make appliances to improve patients’
appearance, speech or ability to chew. Dental technicians
are a crucial part of the dental team who 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 are the one that made
it possible for that person to smile again.
“I love this job. I get to be mentally challenged, solve complex technical
problems and help improve the life and appearance of other people.”
Helen Fowke BDentTech
What is Dental Technology?
Dental technicians work as part of the dental
care team within a dental laboratory and so
do not have direct contact with the patients.
They design and construct artificial teeth in
various forms, removable orthodontic
appliances, and maxillofacial appliances such
as artificial eyes, ears, and facial prostheses.
Working with dentists, technicians use a wide
range of materials including gold, porcelain
and plastic, to design and construct appliances
to meet each patient’s needs. The fact that
the product made can affect the health and
appearance of a person, demands of the
technician a high level of responsibility and
accuracy.
Dental technicians work with their hands on
detailed and delicate items, and have good
hand-eye co-ordination. A dental technician
learns to visualise in a 3D perspective and
typically has an eye for detail and likes to get
things just right.
Background Required
Students should have a background in
Chemistry at Year 13 and Biology at Year 12.
Mathematics and Physics would also be an
advantage.
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 that provide the bulk of the work
for the private dental industry, the defence
forces, hospitals and state health 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 selfemployed.
The areas within the profession are diverse,
with individuals specialising in particular areas
of dental technology.
Dental Technology at Otago
The Bachelor of Dental Technology at Otago is
the only one in New Zealand and is a three-year
degree programme. It is taught within Otago’s
School of Dentistry and this creates long-lasting
relationships with the other dental health
professionals and establishes the dental care
perspective from day one.
During your study you will learn about the oral
environment, biomaterial and 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 and
bridges and removable orthodontic appliances in
various materials such as acrylics, alloys, and
ceramics.
Postgraduate Study
If you wish to take your knowledge beyond the
Bachelor of Dental Technology, there is a range
of postgraduate study options. There is an Honours
programme for students that achieve high academic
grades. There are further opportunities for higher
study in the form of a Postgraduate Diploma in
Dental Technology, Master of Dental Technology
and PhD.
For those who are interested in treating patients
there is a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental
Technology. These graduates are able to 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 and those who graduate
with the Bachelor of Dental Technology are
automatically entitled to register with the New
Zealand Dental Technicians Board in order to
practise as a Registered Dental Technician. Once
registered there are no barriers to registration or
working in Australia.
HELEN FOWKE
For Helen Fowke, dental technology is the perfect
combination of her two great loves – science
and art.
 “I learnt about dental technology at a school
careers expo at home in Tauranga and I immediately
knew it was for me. I liked that it was technical,
but also artistic, and I liked the idea of working
with my hands,” she says.
Dental technicians work behind the scenes making
the appliances that dentists use like crowns, bridges,
plates, and dentures.
“It helps if you are good with your hands and have
an artistic eye. You need to be able to see the
different colours and translucency of a tooth, see
its shape and be able to recreate that so no one
can tell it isn’t the real thing,” Helen says.
The course combines studying physics and biology
with hands on construction classes that involve
carving wax, making moulds, grinding, polishing
and painting.
“It’s hard work, but it’s manageable. You can’t just
cruise,” Helen says. “You are constantly dealing
with new technology and materials. The lecturers
are very helpful. They really know their stuff and
have a lot of industry experience.”
As part of the course dental technology students
are teamed up with dentistry students and spend
time in the School of Dentistry’s clinics.
“Working with the dentistry students and watching
them fit your appliances is really helpful as a
student, because you see why appliances are made
in a particular way and really understand the
reasoning behind each design. Also, seeing your
own work in a mouth is very rewarding and
satisfying.”
Since graduation Helen has been working as a
resident dental technician at the School of Dentistry.
Further information
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, PO Box
647, Dunedin, New Zealand.
You can apply directly for admission to Dental Technology. The subject requirement is at least chemistry NCEA Level3. Although not required, Biology, Maths and Physics would be an advantage.
In the event that you do not have NZ citizenship or permanent resident status you may be eligible for admission as a full fee paying international student. For more information email: international.admissions@otago.ac.nz.
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