Welcome
The Dental Laboratory Technology program is offered by the Department of Dental Education in the Indiana University—Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) College of Health and Human Services.
Department Information
The IPFW Dental Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "Approval without Reporting Requirements". The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at 312-440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission's web address is: http://www.ada.org/100.aspx
Program at IPFW
The dental laboratory technology program at IPFW is a two-year academic program. The program has maintained full accreditation by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation since its beginning in 1972. Students from 14 states and nine foreign countries have been among the nearly 420 program graduates.
A career in dental laboratory technology is ideal for people with
- good manual dexterity,
- artistic capabilities,
- patience,
- refined problem solving skills,
- and, pays attention to detail.
The dental laboratory technician functions within the dental health team much as a pharmacist functions within the medical care team. The technician fabricates appliances to the specification of a work authorization provided by the dentist. It is recommended that anyone interested in a career in dental laboratory technology spend some time at local commercial dental laboratories to evaluate the day-to-day operation of the dental laboratory technician.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded an Associate of Science degree from the College of Health and Human Services.
Daily Activities
Each dental patient has specific needs which are different from others. The duties of a dental technician are comprehensive and varied. Dental technicians work with a variety of materials which include waxes, plastics, precious and non-precious alloys and porcelain. Dental technicians also use sophisticated instruments and equipment while performing laboratory procedures to fabricate:
- Full Dentures
- Removable Partial Dentures
- Fixed Crowns and Bridges
- Ceramic Restorations
- Orthodontic Appliances
Education Requirements
Helpful High School Classes
- Math
- Basic Chemistry
- Basic Physics
- Art (studio classes can really help)
Education Requirements
While not mandatory at this time, most dental technicians with high career goals receive their education and training through a two-year American Dental Association accredited program. These programs generally award an associate degree. In Indiana the only program of this kind is found at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
2101 E. Coliseum Blvd.
