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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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33100.02 – Dental Laboratory Assistants

Dental laboratory assistants assist dental technologists and technicians in preparing and fabricating dentures and other dental devices. Dental laboratory assistants are employed in dental laboratories.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Dental technician assistant
  • Denture wax pattern former

Core competencies

  • Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment to ensure machinery and equipment used to fabricate dental components are functioning correctly and producing accurate results
  • Quality Control Testing to ensure dental devices meet established standards of quality and accuracy by testing the fit, function and appearance of devices before they are sent to dentists
  • Finger Dexterity to effectively manipulate small tools, delicate materials and intricate components to prepare plaster models or moulds from dental impressions
  • Near Vision to closely examine intricate components of dental devices when sculpting dental prosthetics, adjusting dental impressions or inspecting finished products
  • Attention to Detail to carefully mix materials, shaping and sculpting components and assemble or finish dental devices according to precise standards
  • Knowledge in Biology to understand the biomechanics of the mouth and jaw, as well as the factors that can affect the fit and function of dental devices

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Prepare plaster models and moulds from dental impressions
  • Prepare wax bite-blocks and impression trays
  • Cast gold or metal alloys for bridges and denture bases
  • Pack plastic material in moulds to form full or partial dentures
  • Mould wax over denture set-up to form full contours of artificial gums
  • Make orthodontic bands from gold, silver, stainless steel or other metals
  • Finish metal framework of dentures and polish and buff dentures to obtain natural finish.

Additional information

  • Dental laboratory assistants may progress to dental technologist and technician positions with training, experience and registration.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Dental hygienists and dental therapists (32111)
  • Dental technologists and technicians (32112)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

3 – Health occupations

TEER

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

33 – Assisting occupations in support of health services

Sub-major group

331 – Assisting occupations in support of health services

Minor group

3310 – Assisting occupations in support of health services

Unit group

33100 – Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants

Occupational profile

33100.02 – Dental Laboratory Assistants

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.