A denturist is a health professional who makes and maintains dentures (false teeth). Denturists work with other oral health providers such as dentists and oral surgeons to determine which patients are in need of false teeth. They then examine the patient and make a set of dentures that fits in the persons mouth and look like real teeth.
Duties of a Denturist:
- Collect medical history of patient to determine if there are any reasons why they should not get dentures.
- Take impressions to form a model of the patient's mouth.
- Make dentures for the patient based on the impressions.
- Make sure the patient's dentures fit comfortable in their mouth.
- Provide the patient with necessary information to properly take care of their dentures.
Work Requirements:
Denturists need to be patient and have good attention to detail because they are making something that is going to be an important part of their patient's everyday life.
Types of Work Environments:
- Privately owned clinics
- Public health units or clinics.
Personality Requirements:
- Be a good listener
- Attention to detail
- Be kind and empathetic
- Patient
- Excellent Health
- Good stress management skills
Education: 2-3 Years Post-Secondary Education
College Diploma from an accredited Denturist School.
On the job training is often required and provided by a potential employer.
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in a career as a Denturist:
- Sciences
- Math
- English
- Anatomy
Job placement – after 2-3 years of post-secondary education your chances of finding a job are considered - Good
With an aging population, it is expected that more denturist will be needed to serve the oral health needs of Canadians.
Wages:
Denturists can make more than $55,000 per year.
Links:
Denturist Association of Canada
College of Denturists of Ontario
