REVISED TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 5355100

DENTAL TECHNICIAN, GRADE 8

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

            Dental Technicians construct and/or repair dental prosthetic appliances according to a dentists prescription.  Positions are found in SUNY Buffalo and Stony Brook and in the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

            DENTAL TECHNICIAN:  all positions are in the non-competitive class; follows standardized laboratory methods, procedures and techniques; utilizes specialized materials and equipment; works to the exact specifications prescribed by a licensed dentist in the construction and repair of dental prosthetic appliances.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Fabricates and repairs dental appliances, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, according to a dentists prescription using specialized laboratory equipment and tools.

• Creates a model of the patients mouth by pouring plaster into an impression (mold) and allowing it to set.

• Places the model on an apparatus that mimics the bite and movement of the patients jaw and examines the model, noting the size and shape of the adjacent teeth and gaps within the gum line.

• Based on observations and the dentists specifications, builds and shapes a wax tooth or teeth model, using small hand instruments.

• Pours the cast, forms the metal framework, and prepares the surface to allow the metal and porcelain to bond.

• Applies porcelain in layers to arrive at a precise shape and color of a tooth (or teeth).

• Places the tooth in a porcelain furnace to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework and then adjusts the shape and color, with subsequent grinding and addition of porcelain to achieve a sealed finish.

(In some laboratories technicians perform all stages of the work whereas in other labs each technician specializes.  Technicians can specialize in one of five areas: orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, or ceramics).

May train students in laboratory techniques.

Cleans and performs minor maintenance on dental laboratory equipment.

Maintains written records and prepares periodic reports of new dentures, relines, repairs, and crowns constructed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

DENTAL TECHNICIAN

Open Competitive: two years of experience in the manufacture and repair of dental prosthetic appliances in a recognized dental laboratory or under a licensed dentist; OR completion of a dental technicians course from a recognized trade school and one year of experience as noted above.

Date:  7/08

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.