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Education & Training
For complete program information on public post-secondary education in B.C. go to Education Planner (http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca).
Working Conditions
Working conditions vary depending on the type of laboratory, position held and the individual qualifications. Dental laboratories are usually well-ventilated and comfortable.
Workers in this occupational group do not work directly on patients. Instead they receive orders from dentists, orthodontists and denturists. Dental technicians work either independently or in a team.
Each fabricated appliance is different from the others. A great deal of expertise is required and workers in this occupation must keep up with technological advances.
Dental technicians and laboratory bench workers usually work a 40-hour week from Monday to Friday. Sometimes overtime is required if a certain prosthetic device has to be made to meet a deadline.
The work has potential hazards. For example, there is constant strain on eyesight from the detailed work required, and there may be exposure to a variety of harmful fumes, gases and dusts. Strict guidelines that must be followed to avoid contact with potentially infectious material that arrives from dental clinics.
The average annual earnings for dental technicians and laboratories bench workers in B.C. in 2000 were $34,000. Full-time, full-year workers earned an annual average $40,700, about the same as the average for all occupations in B.C. The respective all-occupation averages in the province in 2000 were $32,100 and $44,200. Earnings vary, depending on skills and experience. For those who own their own businesses, income also depends on their reputations.
This is a very small occupational group. The employment level in 2001 was estimated at 570, down slightly from 630 in 1990. More dental technologists, technicians and laboratory bench workers are self-employed, compared to the average for all occupations in the province. Most workers in this occupation work full-time and more than two-thirds of them work year round. This higher than average proportion suggests there is a steady demand for dental laboratory workers.
The unemployment rate is lower among this occupational group than the average for the overall workforce. Employment demand is generally not affected by business conditions and the work is not considered seasonal.
Almost two-thirds of dental technicians and dental laboratory bench workers are in manufacturing, and one-third (33%) are in health care and social assistance services. Geographically, these workers are located according to the overall provincial workforce distribution but with a higher than average proportion (73%) in the Lower Mainland. They are under-represented in Northern B.C. (4%) and in the Southern Interior (9%).
There is a higher than average proportion of male workers in this occupation. Women are fairly well represented in this occupational group, at 38%. A higher than average proportion of workers in this occupation are between the ages of 35 and 54. Only one in five of these workers is younger than 35, compared to the workforce average of 35%. About one-third of these workers are 55 or older, compared to the all-occupation average of 22%. Fewer young workers in this occupational group suggests that opportunities for entering this occupation will be good.
Employment Prospects
According to the Canadian Occupational Projections System (COPS), employment for dental technicians and laboratory bench workers is projected to grow at an average rate of 0.9% per year through to 2011, which is slower than the average for all occupations in B.C. This is a very small occupational group and the total number of job openings between 2001 and 2011 is estimated at only 170, or an average of 17 openings per year. Close to one-third of total openings are expected to result from population growth and the remaining two-thirds will be due to retirements. These are fairly stable occupations, so turnover will generate few openings.
This occupational group has experienced limited growth over the past decade. COPS projects that the steady demand for the dental devices and appliances provided by workers in this occupational group will continue in the near future.
Several factors affect the demand for dental technicians and laboratory workers. As the population gradually ages and more people want to keep their teeth longer, the demand for corrective dental care, particularly in the restorative field will increase. This should provide continuing employment opportunities for dental technicians and laboratory bench workers.
Technological advancements and the use of new materials and procedures may also provide new business and employment opportunities. For example, cosmetic prosthesis, which uses white composite fillings to replace older or less attractive ones, may become more popular. There is currently only a limited clientele for this service, as cosmetic procedures are expensive and are not usually covered by extended health insurance.
The use of fluoride and other effective preventive treatments have reduced the incidence of cavities and the overall improvement in dental health of the population could limit employment growth. The
growing awareness of preventive dental care by the public, through more frequent use of dental hygiene services, also means that people will be able to keep their teeth healthy longer. Full dentures will be less common in the future and most people will need only bridges or crowns.
As the majority of dental laboratories tend to concentrate in populated areas, such as the Lower Mainland, competition for available openings is strong, especially for those new to the occupation or new to the province. Dental technicians and laboratory bench workers who are looking for jobs and experienced technicians looking for business opportunities may find more success in rural areas, particularly in Northern B.C.
첫댓글 참고로 직업 타이들에 테크니션(technician)이라고 되서 돈 많이 버는 직업 많이 보지 못했습니다.
너무 감사합니다!
치과기공은 art & science 입니다. art:자신의 예술적 감각과 손재주 그리고 장인 정신이 필요합니다. science: 끝임없는 새로운 테크닉 발달에 부합키 위해 많은 공부를 해야 합니다.지속적 세미나를 듣는 다거나 ,져널지를 보고 세로운 기술에 많은 투자를 해야 합니다. 치과기공엔 대략 7개 분야로 세분 되는데 그중에서 자신에 적합한 분야 2-3개에 많은 시간을 기울여야 겠죠. 보통 3-5년간의 졸업후 숙련과정을 거친다면 위의 봉급보다 훨씬 많이 받지만 어디까지나 개인의 능력차가 있습니다.보통 10년차 세라미스트(하이 레벨)라면 년봉 10만불을 이상을 볼 수 있을 겁니다.