Doctor of Dental Medicine | University of Pennsylvania

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-9081.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingTime ManagementOperations MonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingSpeakingActive ListeningActive Learning

Knowledge

DesignAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageMedicine and DentistryProduction and Processing

Abilities

Finger DexterityNear VisionArm-Hand SteadinessControl PrecisionVisualizationProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInformation OrderingWritten ComprehensionSelective Attention

Tasks

Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of de
Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and
Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances
Meet with dentists or patients to discuss dental appliances.
Order parts or materials needed to make dental appliances.
Scan dental models to create digital files.
Stain porcelain on dental appliances to match the color of patients' teeth.

Technology

Accounting softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

Acrylic cuttersAdjustable articulatorsAir compressorsAir scribesAmalgam dispensersAmalgam instrumentsAnatomic articulatorsArcon articulatorsArticulatorsAuto chucksBuild-up brushesBunsen burnersCasting torchesClinical scalesConventional lathes

Work Values

SupportIndependenceWorking ConditionsAchievementRelationshipsRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-9081.00	Dental Laboratory Technicians	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Doctoral Degree)

Laboratory-wide fabrication standards and quality protocols — develop and implement to ensure consistent prosthesis accuracy and compliance with regulatory and clinical requirements.
Strategic adoption of CAD/CAM and digital dentistry technologies — lead evaluation, procurement, and integration within the laboratory to advance production capabilities.
Dental technician staff at all skill levels — supervise, evaluate, and develop through structured training programs and performance feedback processes.
Complex multi-unit restorative and implant-supported prosthesis cases — oversee from prescription review through final delivery, ensuring the highest standards of fit and aesthetics.
Laboratory budget, inventory management software, and accounting systems — administer to control material costs, reduce waste, and maintain financial performance targets.
Relationships with dental practitioners and clinical partners — cultivate to improve case specification quality, resolve recurring prescription ambiguities, and strengthen service reputation.
Emerging materials, techniques, and industry standards — evaluate through active learning and professional engagement and integrate into laboratory practice to maintain competitive edge.
Quality assurance and error-reduction frameworks — design and institutionalize across the laboratory to reduce remakes, improve turnaround times, and elevate customer satisfaction.
Workforce planning and staffing decisions — lead by assessing production capacity, identifying skill gaps, and directing hiring or cross-training initiatives within the laboratory.
Organizational policies, safety programs, and compliance documentation — author and enforce to meet OSHA, dental board, and accreditation requirements across all laboratory operations.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.