Prosthetic dental technician - Ella Cook

How did you get your job?

Alongside my studies, I gained experience working in commercial dental labs and networked with other dental technicians through social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Towards the end of my degree, I applied through the NHS Jobs website and was lucky to secure a position in the prosthetics laboratory at an NHS hospital.

The practical skills I learned at university, along with my work experience, really helped me through the bench test and interview, and I was able to start the job as soon as I graduated.

What's a typical working day like?

I'll cast impressions sent up from clinic and work on the cases assigned to me. Working in a prosthetics lab means most of my work involves removable denture cases - articulating models, setting up teeth for try-ins or fabricating finished dentures. Everything I produce follows a prescription from a clinician, so attention to detail and communication are vital.

I also get to make a variety of other appliances, such as vacuum-formed devices, which keeps things interesting and helps me broaden my skills. Being in a hospital setting, I sometimes make healing and dressing plates when needed, and as I develop in my role, I’ll have the chance to work on a broader variety of cases such as obturators and implant-retained prostheses.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love how hands-on dental technology is - you're creating appliances that can help someone smile, eat, and speak again. I also really the opportunities I get to go to the clinic and see my work fitted. Working in the lab, it's easy to feel a bit detached from the patient side, so being able to see your work in the mouth, and the difference it makes, is amazing.

What are the challenges?

You have to adapt to different oral anatomy, clinician requests and patient needs, which can be challenging but also really rewarding. Some days things just don't seem to go right - maybe a clasp won't bend the way you want it to, or you can't quite get the teeth set exactly how you'd like. But it makes the days when everything falls into place feel even better.

In what way is your degree relevant?

My degree gave me the technical foundation and understanding of dental materials that I use every day in the lab. It also taught me the importance of professionalism and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Most importantly, completing the degree was essential for becoming registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), allowing me to practise as a dental technician in the UK.

How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions?

I'm currently building experience across all aspects of prosthetic work, starting from the basics and putting the skills I learned at university into practice. Over time, I hope to specialise in more complex cases and to get involved in surgical planning and the production of surgical guides.

Long-term, I'd like to be involved in teaching, outreach and research to help raise awareness of dental technology as a profession and inspire others to join the field.

What advice can you give to others wanting to get into this job?

• Get hands-on experience early. The more time you spend in a lab, the better you'll get. It's a practical job, so the best way to learn is by doing.
• Stay curious and open to learning. Dental technology is always evolving, especially with the rise of digital workflows, so there's constantly something new to explore.
• Connect with the wider profession. Join organisations like the Dental Technologists Association, attend events and engage with others online - it's a great way to learn, stay motivated and feel part of a supportive community.

Find out more

• Read all about being a dental technician.
• Take a look at the healthcare sector.