Individuals who are interested in entering the denture repair field can complete a two-year associate degree program in dental laboratory technology. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training in modeling dentures after specific teeth patterns, setting dentures and finishing dentures during the repair process. This type of program usually covers not just denture repair, but also the fabrication of a variety of dental prosthetics. Programs in this field are accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (see Resources).
To get into a denture repair school, applicants must submit proof of a high school diploma or GED. In addition, high school transcripts should demonstrate strength in subjects such as communication, science and math. Students at some schools, such as Diablo Valley College in California, also must complete a math and English assessment test so that the school can evaluate their skill levels in these subjects and place them in appropriate beginning courses.
Courses at a denture repair school cover topics including denturing ethics as well as dental anatomy, function and histology. Students also study denture prosthetics, ceramic restorations, partial and fixed dental prosthetics, dental terminology and physical denture materials. The hands-on portion of their training should include not only repairing dentures, but also constructing dental appliances that are used to repair, replace or reposition dentures. Other classes such as an overview of the dental profession, small business management and even first aid/industrial safety are available at denture repair schools, such as Portland Community College in Oregon.
Training at denture repair schools prepares students to seek voluntary certification through the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (see Resources). Becoming a certified dental technician involves passing a 160-question written comprehensive exam, a specialty practical exam and an 80-question specialty written exam. Aspiring denture repairers can decide to specialize in either partial or full dentures. They then must renew their certification by completing 12 continuing education credit hours every year.