Dental laboratory technicians design and create crowns, bridges, dentures, and other prosthetics that are customized to a specific patient’s mouth. Using molds supplied by dentists, these technicians shape wax teeth that will be used as a model to cast a metal framework for the prosthetic device. They then apply layers of porcelain to the metal to create an exact replica of the patient’s original tooth or teeth. The majority of dental laboratory technicians learn their craft on the job. But courses may be available from tech schools and community colleges. The most important qualifications, however, are manual dexterity, good vision, and the ability to recognize fine differences in color and shape. Most dental laboratory technicians never meet the patient who will use their creations. But their skill at doing their jobs directly affects not only the physical and dental health of another person, but also that person’s confidence and self-esteem. And that makes this a special job indeed.