Introduction Into Dental Laboratory Technology

A Four Part Course

This course provides participants with a foundational overview of dental laboratory technology, and the essential role dental laboratories play in the dental team. This introductory session is designed for individuals who are new to dental laboratory technology or who would benefit from a stronger understanding of basic dental terminology, tooth anatomy, restorative categories, and how dental prescriptions are used to fabricate dental restorations.

During the course, participants are introduced to key concepts such as dental restorations, maxillary and mandibular arches, anterior and posterior teeth, tooth surfaces, fixed and removable restorations, and the use of articulators to simulate jaw movement. The course helps build a basic framework for understanding how dental laboratories support dentists and patients through the design and fabrication of dental prosthetics and restorations.

This session is presented by Allie Williamson, AAS, BS, CDT, TE

4 Hours Scientific Credit

Part I - Overview and Fundamentals

Introduces participants to the foundational concepts of dental laboratory technology and the essential terminology used within the profession. This module provides an overview of Dental Laboratory Technology, dental restorations, and the role of the dental technician, while also covering basic dental terminology such as maxillary and mandibular, anterior and posterior, tooth names, and tooth surfaces. Participants will also be introduced to the branches of dental technology, including fixed and removable restorations, as well as analog and digital workflows, impressions, bite records, models, and articulators.

Part II - Fixed Restorations

Continues building on the foundational concepts introduced in Part I, with a focus on fixed restorations and related dental laboratory terminology. This module provides an overview of fixed restorations, including common types such as inlays, onlays, veneers, layered ceramic restorations, PFMs, monolithic restorations, all-ceramic restorations, and zirconia restorations.

Participants will also be introduced to key crown and bridge, ceramics, and implant terminology, including margins, crowns, bridges, dies, abutments, pontics, diagnostic wax-ups, reduction copings, PMMA, temporary restorations, and custom shade services. The module also covers important implant-related terms such as implants, fixtures, impression copings, analogs, interfaces, platforms, cement-retained and screw-retained crowns, and commonly used materials such as zirconia, titanium, CoCr, and TiBase abutments.

Part III - Removable Restorations

Continues to expand on the foundational knowledge covered in the previous modules, with a focus on removable restorations and related dental laboratory terminology. This module provides an overview of removable restorations, including key terms such as edentulous and ridge, as well as common types of removable appliances such as full dentures, partial dentures, overdentures, and implant attachments.

Participants will also be introduced to the complete denture process, including impressions, treatment planning, custom trays, master casts, bite rims, tooth selection, wax try-ins, processing, finishing, and polishing. The module also covers partial denture concepts, including frameworks, analog and digital workflows, provisional and flexible removable partial dentures, and clasps.

Part IV - Specialty Appliances and Devices

Concludes the series by continuing to build on the foundational concepts covered in the previous modules, with a focus on dental sleep medicine and specialty products. This module introduces participants to dental sleep medicine, including sleep apnea and anti-snore devices, as well as specialty products commonly fabricated in the dental laboratory, such as mouth guards, sports guards, occlusal splints, and aligners.

Participants will further explore dental laboratory processes, materials, terminology, and the important role dental laboratory professionals play within the dental team. As the final module in the four-part self-paced series, Part IV helps bring together the concepts covered throughout the course and provides participants with a broader understanding of the variety of products and services dental laboratories support.

Requirements for Course Completion

This video will be available through your NADL Learner Community for 30 days from your purchase date and will expire after that time. There is no required test to receive credit for this course. These credits will be automatically submitted to NBC.

Accreditation

This course has been approved by the NBC for 4 Hours of Scientific Credit for CDTs/RGs. 

Donate to the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology

NADL’s sister organization, the Foundation for Dental Laboratory Technology, is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that ensures the industry’s viability and advancement by creating access to relevant dental laboratory technology education and providing grants and scholarships to assist with the cost of education and certification.

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Credit Information

Activity Number	Credit Amount	Accreditation Period
60365	4 Scientific	from April 24, 2026