SOC 51-9081
Dental Laboratory Technicians
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ52/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ33,920
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$48K
$36K โ $79K
Projected Growth
๐-4.7%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค38/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Dental Laboratory Technicians face a risk score of 52/100 โ 8 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $48K ($2K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 52/100, Dental Laboratory Technicians faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 33,920 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Dental Laboratory Technicians?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
Place tooth models on an apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
๐ป Technology Skills
Accounting software
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Data base user interface and query software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Administration and Management
Design
English Language
Medicine and Dentistry
Production and Processing
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 69% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 59% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 83% |