Dental Laboratory Technician

ITI Dental Laboratory Technician Trade Syllabus

The ITI "Dental Laboratory Technician" trade is a one-year vocational training program under the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), governed by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). This course equips trainees with skills in creating dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances using specialized tools and materials, under the guidance of dental professionals. The syllabus integrates theoretical knowledge, practical laboratory skills, and employability training to prepare students for roles as dental lab technicians in dental clinics, hospitals, or private laboratories.

Course Overview

• Duration: 1 year (2 semesters, each 6 months)
• NSQF Level: Level 4
• Eligibility: Minimum 10th grade pass with Science (or equivalent)
• Objective: To train individuals in the design, fabrication, and repair of dental prosthetics and appliances, ensuring precision, hygiene, and compliance with dental standards.

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown 

1. Trade Theory (Theoretical Knowledge)

Covers foundational concepts in dental technology and laboratory practices.

• Semester 1
  
  • Introduction to Dental Laboratory Technology
    
    • Role and responsibilities of a dental laboratory technician.
    • Overview of dental anatomy: teeth structure, types, and functions.
    • Importance of dental prosthetics in oral health.
  • Dental Materials
    
    • Types of materials: gypsum, waxes, acrylics, ceramics, metals (gold, alloys).
    • Properties and uses: impression materials, casting alloys, resins.
    • Storage and handling of dental materials safely.
  • Tools and Equipment
    
    • Hand tools: spatulas, carving knives, wax sculpting tools.
    • Laboratory equipment: articulators, casting machines, furnaces, polishing units.
    • Safety protocols for operating machinery and handling chemicals.
  • Basic Dental Prosthetics
    
    • Introduction to crowns, bridges, and partial dentures.
    • Impression taking and model preparation: pouring, trimming.
    • Basics of occlusion and bite registration.
  • Hygiene and Sterilization
    
    • Principles of infection control in dental labs.
    • Sterilization techniques: autoclaving, chemical disinfection.
    • Personal hygiene and lab cleanliness standards.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Prosthetic Techniques
    
    • Fabrication of complete dentures: design, arrangement, processing.
    • Ceramic restorations: layering, firing, glazing.
    • Orthodontic appliances: retainers, space maintainers, aligners.
  • Casting and Metal Work
    
    • Metal casting: lost-wax technique, investment casting.
    • Soldering and welding of dental frameworks.
    • Polishing and finishing metal restorations.
  • Repair and Maintenance
    
    • Repairing broken dentures and prosthetics.
    • Relining and rebasing dentures for fit adjustment.
    • Troubleshooting common fabrication errors.
  • Digital Dentistry
    
    • Introduction to CAD/CAM in dental technology.
    • Basics of 3D printing for dental models and appliances.
    • Digital workflow: scanning, designing, milling.
  • Standards and Ethics
    
    • Dental laboratory standards and quality control.
    • Ethical practices: patient confidentiality, collaboration with dentists.
    • Regulatory guidelines for dental labs in India.

2. Trade Practical (Hands-On Skills)

Focuses on practical fabrication and laboratory skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Model Preparation
    
    • Taking impressions and pouring gypsum models.
    • Trimming and articulating dental casts.
    • Preparing base plates and wax rims.
  • Basic Fabrication
    
    • Carving wax patterns for crowns and bridges.
    • Fabricating temporary crowns using acrylics.
    • Polishing and finishing simple restorations.
  • Equipment Handling
    
    • Operating articulators and casting machines.
    • Using furnaces for wax burnout and material curing.
    • Maintaining and cleaning lab tools and equipment.
  • Sterilization Practice
    
    • Sterilizing tools and workstations.
    • Practicing infection control protocols in the lab.
• Semester 2
  
  • Advanced Fabrication
    
    • Fabricating complete dentures: setting teeth, flasking, curing.
    • Layering ceramic crowns and firing in a furnace.
    • Making orthodontic retainers and simple appliances.
  • Casting and Finishing
    
    • Casting metal frameworks using the lost-wax technique.
    • Soldering metal components and polishing restorations.
    • Adjusting occlusion on finished prosthetics.
  • Repair Work
    
    • Repairing fractured dentures with acrylic or resin.
    • Relining dentures for improved fit.
    • Correcting minor defects in restorations.
  • Project Work
    
    • Designing and fabricating a complete dental prosthetic (e.g., denture or crown).
    • Preparing a portfolio of fabricated appliances with documentation.

3. Workshop Calculation and Science

Provides mathematical and scientific support for dental lab tasks.

• Semester 1
  
  • Basic arithmetic: measurements, ratios for material mixing.
  • Geometry: calculating angles for occlusion and tooth alignment.
  • Chemistry: properties of dental materials (e.g., setting time, hardness).
• Semester 2
  
  • Precision calculations: tolerances in prosthetic fitting.
  • Physics: heat transfer in casting and firing processes.
  • Material science: strength and durability of dental alloys and ceramics.

4. Engineering Drawing

Focuses on technical drawing skills for dental designs.

• Semester 1: Drawing tooth anatomy and simple prosthetic layouts.
• Semester 2: Preparing detailed sketches for dentures, crowns, and orthodontic appliances.

5. Employability Skills

Enhances job readiness and soft skills.

• Semester 1
  
  • Communication skills: interacting with dentists and team members.
  • Time management: scheduling fabrication tasks.
  • Basic IT skills: using MS Office for documentation.
• Semester 2
  
  • Entrepreneurship: starting a dental lab service.
  • Resume writing and interview preparation.
  • Customer service: coordinating with dental professionals effectively.

Assessment and Certification

• Examinations: Conducted semester-wise with theoretical and practical components.
• Certification: Successful candidates receive the National Trade Certificate (NTC) from NCVT, recognized nationally and internationally.
• Evaluation: Based on fabrication accuracy, material handling, hygiene standards, written exams, and project work.

Career Opportunities

• Employment: Dental laboratory technician, prosthetic technician, orthodontic appliance maker in dental clinics, hospitals, or labs.
• Self-Employment: Freelance dental lab services, small-scale dental prosthetic business.
• Further Studies: Diploma in Dental Technology, advanced courses in CAD/CAM dentistry.

Note

• This syllabus aligns with the latest NCVT guidelines and may vary slightly based on institutional or state-specific requirements.
• For the most current version, refer to the Directorate General of Training (DGT) website (dgt.gov.in) or consult your local ITI.