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If you’re having a dental treatment to repair or replace teeth or make other changes to your smile, your custom restorations will normally be made by a dental technician or prosthetist.

Technicians and prosthetists both provide valuable services at dental clinics, but their duties and specialties vary. Read this quick comparison to find out what the differences are between a prosthetist and dental technician and how they can help you to restore your smile.

What is a dental technician?

Dental technicians create, modify or repair dental restorations and appliances based on impressions or designs provided by dentists or prosthetists.

Technicians normally work in dental labs, but can also work within a dental clinic that has its own lab facilities.

Dental technicians should hold a two-year Diploma of Dental Technology or higher qualification. However, they aren’t required to register with the Dental Board of Australia, as they don’t interact with patients directly.

What do dental technicians do?

Dental technicians may work on a wide range of dental and orthodontic appliances and ceramics. Depending on their training, this may include fabricating or repairing:

• Full-mouth fixed implant bridges (All-On-4® bridges)
• Implant-retained dentures
• Porcelain crowns and veneers
• Dental bridges
• Dentures
• Mouthguards
• Braces and retainers
• Bite splints and sleep apnoea devices

What is a dental prosthetist?

Firstly, Prosthetists are actually dental technicians who have completed additional training. This is typically an Advanced Diploma in Dental Prosthetics or Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Prosthetics.

Secondly, Prosthetists are registered with the Dental Board of Australia. This certifies them to consult directly with patients all over Australia, or they may have referrals from a dentist.

Lastly, they may operate as independent contractors or may be attached to local dental clinics.

What do prosthetists do?

A prosthetist manufactures and repairs dentures, mouthguards and other appliances like a dental technician, but they can also:

• Consult directly with patients
• Conduct assessments
• Take physical or digital impressions of patients’ mouths
• Develop personalised treatment plans
• Manage a dental lab and technicians

Do I need a dental technician or prosthetist?

If you’re discussing restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatments with your dentist, they may refer you to a prosthetist. This is because a prosthetist has specific experience in this area. They can also help you achieve better functional and aesthetic outcomes with your smile.

If you dentist takes photographs or impressions to design your crown, bridge, denture or other prosthetic, it will normally be fabricated by a dental technician in a dental lab.

Dental technician and prosthetist in Perth

If you’re considering dental implants, dentures or another custom dental restoration, speak to the team at Perth Dental Implant Centre. We’re fortunate to benefit from the expertise of one of Perth’s leading dental technicians and prosthetists.

Our dental technician and qualified prosthetist Patrick Barrett-Lennard has been providing high-quality dental prosthetics for two decades, including All-On-4® full-mouth implant bridges, implant-retained dentures and conventional dentures.

To find out more about our team and our treatments, book a consultation at your local Perth Dental Implant Centre in Kelmscott or East Victoria Park. Call 1300 108 133 to book at our Kelmscott or East Vic Park clinic.

References

1. Australian Dental Association: www.ada.org.au