I want to attend school for dental laboratory technology because I believe I can make a vital difference in the lives of individuals by learning this skill. I heard about the program from a number of sources, including colleagues and the internet. I believe my past experience will greatly benefit my ability to succeed in this course of study. I have worked nearly twenty years in a dental laboratory. This experience gave me the great fortune to observe and learn many of the required techniques. I have also examined the continued job outlook for this profession. It will maintain a steady level of employment, which is important in today’s world. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013).
While individuals working in a dental lab have little actual patient contact, they provide a tremendous service. Dental lab technicians must work closely with the dentists to ensure the proper fit for a patient. Any person who has lost the ability to chew or suffered pain from dental injury and illness can testify to the importance of dental prostheses. The effects of missing teeth on an individual can be staggering. The person may not be able to obtain adequate nutrition, may be at risk for infection, and also may suffer a significant loss of self-esteem.
There is a recognized decline in oral health-related quality of life with the loss of teeth (Gerritsen, Allen, Witter, Bronkhorst, & Creugers, 2010, p. 1). If a person does not have the missing tooth or teeth replaced, the health outcomes may be serious for the person. Every tooth is crucial for a proper bite. If a missing tooth is not replaced, the other teeth will shift. This further negatively impairs the person’s ability to chew (Steinberg, 2011). Dental lab technicians serve their community by assisting patients with tooth loss in recovery.
I have enjoyed my time working in a dental lab. I wish to learn more and expand my knowledge base, both for myself and the patients. I firmly believe that dental health is one of the most important aspects of overall health. Because of this, I wish to continue to pursue additional education in the field.