Curriculum

TSTC Curriculum

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Dental Laboratory Technology

The level of public awareness of dental health and preventive dentistry has increased significantly in recent years. Because of this fact and relatively widespread dental insurance coverage, it is expected that the demand for dental laboratory technicians will continue to grow. Dental laboratory technicians make dentures, retainers, crowns, inlays, bridges and orthodontic appliances using written instructions from dentists. This field is an exacting science, as well as an art, which requires attention to precise details.

In this program, students will learn to

• Work with wire, plaster, porcelain, wax, plastic, gold and other metals
• Use specialized tools to carve and shape dental materials
• Match color and placement of teeth for natural look and comfortable fit

Admissions Requirements

In addition to admissions requirements listed under "Admissions Information," students are required to complete special tests in manual dexterity, dimensional abilities and use of tools. Applicants will be notified of testing dates.


Certificate of Completion - 2011				Lec	Lab	Cont	Credit
Semester 1
	DLBT	1201	Dental Anatomy and Tooth Morphology Study of the anatomy of the head and neck including the maxilla, mandible, and temporomandibular joint. Emphasis on natural dentition, tooth anatomy, form, function, nomenclature, and wax carving.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	1209	Removable Partial Denture Techniques I Introduction to removal partial dentures. Topics include temporary partials and treatment partials with wrought clasps.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	1213	Complete Denture Techniques I Introduction to the fabrication of complete dentures. Topics include edentulous arch anatomical lanmarks, edentulous cast preparation, impressions, trays, baseplates, occlusal rims, and artificial tooth arrangement.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	1217	Fixed Restorative Techniques I Introduction to fixed restorative techniques. Topics include types of casts with removable dies and fabrication of wax patterns.	1	4	80	2
	HRPO	1311	Human Relations † Practical application of the principles and concepts of the behavioral sciences to interpersonal relationships in the business and industrial environment.	3	0	48	3
	Total Hours			7	16	368	11
Semester 2
	DLBT	1205	Dental Materials Study of dental materials and their uses in the fabrication of all types of dental protheses.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	2204	Removable Partial Denture Techniques II Study of the components of removable partial dentures and the methods of surveying and designing and fabricating removable partial dentures. Prerequisite: DLBT 1209.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	2207	Complete Denture Techniques II Comprehensive study and practice of the procedures required to construct complete maxillary and mandibular dentures from the final impression to the finished appliance. Prerequisite: DLBT 1213.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	2211	Fixed Restorative Techniques II Continuation of construction of wax patterns for single unit crowns by spruing, investing, casting, and polishing the metal crown. Prerequisite: DLBT 1217.	1	4	80	2
	Total Hours			4	16	320	8
Semester 3
	DLBT	2215	Removable Partial Denture Techniques III Comprehensive study of and practice in the phases of removable partial denture construction with emphasis on complex dental prostheses. Prerequisite: DLBT 2204.	1	3	64	2
	DLBT	2217	Complete Denture Techniques III Introduction to the semi-adjustable articulator and techniques required to repair, reline, and rebase complete dentures. Emphasis on the completion of balanced set-ups. Prerequisite: DLBT 2207.	1	3	64	2
	DLBT	2241	Dental Ceramics I Introduction to dental ceramic procedures with emphasis on metal substructures and procelain application. Topics include individual and bridge copings, waxing, casting, and preparation for porcelain adaptation.	1	3	64	2
	DLBT	2244	Introduction to Orthodontic Procedures Introduction to orthodontic dental laboratory procedures. Emphasis on wire bending, soldering, and fabrication of removable acrylic resin appliances.	1	3	64	2
	DLBT	2321	Fixed Restorative Techniques III Continued refinements in crown and bridge fabrication for multiple-unit fixed-partial dentures with metal pontics. Experience in the fabrication and repair of single and multiple-unit fixed-partial dentures. Prerequisite: DLBT 2211.	2	3	80	3
	TECM	1303	Technical Calculations Specific mathematical calculations required by business and industry. Includes whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, percents, ratios, and proportions. Also covers converting to different units of measure (standard and/or metric).	3	0	48	3
	Total Hours			9	15	384	14
Semester 4
	DLBT	1291	Special Topics in Dental Laboratory Technician Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledges, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. This course was designed to be repeated multiple times to improve student proficiency.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	2233	Complete Denture Techniques IV Continued instruction in the fabrication of complete dentures. Emphasis on the semi-adjustable articulator using various occlusal theories and different forms of posterior teeth. Set-up modifications for Class II and Class III relationships will be discussed. Prerequisite: DLBT 2217.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	2235	Fixed Restorative Techniques IV Construction of multiple-unit bridges with emphasis on rigid and non-rigid connectors. Prerequisite: DLBT 2321.	1	4	80	2
	DLBT	2242	Dental Ceramics II Construction of single and multiple-unit ceramic teeth including characterization and shading of teeth. Emphasis on anterior teeth. Prerequisite: DLBT 2241.	1	4	80	2
	Total Hours			4	16	320	8
Semester 5
	DLBT	2430	Special Project in Dental Laboratory Procedures Culmination of instruction in practical laboratory procedures with the emphasis on specialized areas of choice.	2	8	160	4
	DLBT	2446	Practical Laboratory Procedures ° Comprehensive study of basic commercial laboratory procedures employed while performing specialties in separate departments in actual or simulated situations. Includes laboratory procedures associated with following doctor's prescriptions, quality control, billing, and mailing. Prerequisites: DLBT 2235.	2	8	160	4
	POFT	1301	Business English Introduction to a practical application of basic language usage skills with emphasis on fundamentals of writing and editing for business.	2	3	80	3
	Total Hours			6	19	400	11

Grand Totals				30	82	1792	52

Notes
º These courses are designated as capstone courses † High school articulated course

Computer Drafting & Design Technology with GIS/GPS Specialty.