The Program
The Dental Laboratory Technology program, operated by Idaho State University, is conducted under the guidance of the Idaho State Board for Vocational Education. The program at Idaho State University College of Technology is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The trained laboratory technician is a highly skilled artisan who works in cooperation with licensed dentists with the ultimate goal of maintaining and improving a patient's dental health, function, and/or esthetics. It is an integral part of the dental health team and a rewarding career suitable for both young and mature men and women. The dental technicians vocation is involved with the fabrication of dental restorations, corrective appliances, or any device the licensed dentist might place in the mouth of a patient.
The trained dental laboratory technician may work either in a dentist's office, commercial laboratory, or for himself/herself as owner-operator of his/her own dental laboratory. It is in the laboratory that precision dental appliances are constructed in accordance to the prescription of the dentist. The dental technician deals directly and solely with the dentist.
The employment opportunities for the dental technician are many and varied. Due to the growth of dental prosthodontics, the employment as a specialist in the areas of complete dentures, crown and bridge, partial dentures, orthodontic appliances, and ceramics is excellent. The experienced dental technician may consider being self-employed, or perhaps become a dental sales representative. Salaries widen as experience is gained.
Helpful High School Courses
Anatomy, Chemistry, Computers, Physiology
Course Sequence
Program begins in August
Program length is 5 semesters
Admits 8 students each year
Typical classroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 days per week (one evening 1st semester)
Summer Session - mandatory
View Course Sequence
View Complete Course List
Certificates and Degrees
- Associate of Applied Science degree Dental Laboratory Technology
Program Requirements
Admission requirements:
Application for Admission
Application fee
High school transcript or GED
COMPASS Placement Test or ACT scores
Register early - admission is based on space availability.
Admission Steps
- Complete and return an Application for Admission along with a check or money order for $40 (non-refundable), payable to Idaho State University. You may also apply online.
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable, from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
- Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have completed and submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education.)
- Meet with a College of Technology counselor, if desired, to obtain more in-depth information. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
- Either:
- Complete the COMPASS Placement test. This test enables us to place you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
- Submit ACT/SAT scores, valid for seven (7) years from the date of testing.
- Apply for financial aid if needed. Questions, call (208) 282-2756.
Fees
Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance.
| Class | Amount | Purpose of Fee |
|---|---|---|
| DLT 112 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 114 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 132 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 134 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 152 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 154 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 164 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 172 | $75.00 | Lab supplies |
| DLT 174 | $90.00 | Lab supplies |
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU
Career Opportunities
100% of 2006 graduates were employed in related jobs.
Career Opportunities
- Dentist’s office or clinic
- Commercial laboratory
- Owner-operator of own dental laboratory
- Civic and social organizations
- Median income in Idaho is $25,730 and nationally, $32,240 in this field*
- About 200 dental laboratory technicians work in this occupation in Idaho*
* Idaho Career Information Systems data
Associate degrees in health can articulate into the Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.
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