Dental Laboratory Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Dental Laboratory Technology is a specialized field focused on the precise fabrication of custom dental prosthetics and appliances, enabling patients to restore function, aesthetics, and oral health. Professionals in this discipline work closely with dentists to translate clinical designs into high-quality, durable restorations using advanced materials and techniques.
- Dental Anatomy: In-depth study of tooth structure, occlusion, and the spatial relationships within the oral cavity to ensure accurate replication of natural dental forms.
- Dental Materials Science: Exploration of the properties, applications, and handling of metals, ceramics, resins, and composites used in dental restoration construction.
- Ceramics Technology: Mastery of porcelain and ceramic processing methods, including firing, staining, and glazing, essential for creating lifelike, esthetic dental restorations.
- Impression Techniques: Training in the accurate capture of oral impressions using various materials and methods to ensure precise models for prosthetic development.
- Complete and Partial Dentures: Comprehensive instruction in designing, constructing, and fitting full and partial removable dentures tailored to individual patient needs.
- Orthodontic Appliances: Study of devices used to correct misaligned teeth and jaw positioning, including custom fabrication and adjustment protocols.
- Crowns and Bridges: Detailed training in the design and production of fixed dental prostheses that restore damaged or missing teeth, emphasizing fit, strength, and aesthetics.
- Sculpture and Waxing: Development of manual dexterity and artistic precision in shaping wax patterns and dental forms to mirror natural tooth morphology.
- Bonding and Assembly Methods: Hands-on experience with techniques to join components, secure prosthetic elements, and ensure structural integrity of complex dental devices.
- Equipment Operation: Proficiency in using specialized tools and machinery, including CAD/CAM systems, dental lathes, and high-precision casting devices.
Dental Laboratory Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Dental Laboratory Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Dental Laboratory Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Dental Laboratory Technicians. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 263,640 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Dental Laboratory Technicians 51-9081 | $48,310 | $36,100 - $78,680 | 33,920 | $23.23 |
Dental Laboratory Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $44,845 in Hawaii to $161,830 in District of Columbia—a 261% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Arkansas, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 263,640 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Dental Laboratory Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 23 institutions offering Dental Laboratory Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Dental Laboratory Technology is found at CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) (40 graduates), YTI Career Institute (YTI), York (28 graduates), Los Angeles City College (LACC) (26 graduates), Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Memphis (19 graduates), and Florida National University (FNU), Main Campus (18 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 295 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) |
Associate's
|
40 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | citytech.cuny.edu |
| YTI Career Institute (YTI) |
Residency
|
28 | York, Pennsylvania | Private | yti.edu |
| Los Angeles City College (LACC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
26 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lacitycollege.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | tcatmemphis.edu |
| Florida National University (FNU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
18 | Hialeah, Florida | Private | fnu.edu |
| William T McFatter Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
16 | Davie, Florida | Public | mcfattertechnicalcollege.edu |
| Columbia College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15 | Vienna, Virginia | Private | ccdc.edu |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Gurabo) |
Associate's
|
14 | Gurabo, Puerto Rico | Private | uagm.edu |
| ICPR Junior College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Hato Rey, Puerto Rico | Private | icprjc.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Durham, North Carolina | Public | durhamtech.edu |
| ICPR Junior College (ICPR) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Private | icprjc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Nashville, Tennessee | Public | tcatnashville.edu |
| Pasadena City College (PCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Pasadena, California | Public | pasadena.edu |
| Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) |
Residency
|
9 | Santa Fe, New Mexico | Public | sfcc.edu |
| Pamlico Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Grantsboro, North Carolina | Public | pamlicocc.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Kirkwood Community College |
Associate's
|
6 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Public | kirkwood.edu |
| Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) |
Associate's
|
6 | Buffalo, New York | Public | ecc.edu |
| Middlesex Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Bedford, Massachusetts | Public | middlesex.mass.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC-NO) |
Associate's
|
3 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | lsuhsc.edu |
| Southwest College for the Deaf (SWCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Big Spring, Texas | Public | howardcollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Dental Laboratory Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Dental Laboratory Technology degree?
Salaries for Dental Laboratory Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Dental Laboratory Technicians earn around $48,310. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $161,830 compared to $44,845 in Hawaii. Approximately 263,640 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Dental Laboratory Technology programs?
Currently 23 accredited institutions offer Dental Laboratory Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include CUNY New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) (40 graduates), YTI Career Institute (YTI), York (28 graduates), and Los Angeles City College (LACC) (26 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Dental Laboratory Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 592 in 2010 to 295 in 2023-24. This represents a 50% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Dental Laboratory Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Dental Laboratory Technicians, . Related occupations employ approximately 263,640 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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