University
University of Otago
Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology (PGDipDentTech)
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma
Next start date
Expected
Summary
Dental technicians work as part of the dental care team within a dental laboratory, and don’t have direct contact with patients. They design and construct artificial teeth (in various forms), and removable orthodontic appliances.
Working with dentists, technicians use a wide range of materials, including gold, porcelain and acrylic, to design and construct appliances to meet each patient’s needs.
The fact that the products they make can affect the health and appearance of a person demands a high level of responsibility and accuracy.
Dental technicians work with their hands on detailed and delicate items and have good hand to eye co-ordination. A dental technician learns to visualise in a 3D perspective. They typically have an eye for detail to get things just right.
Career opportunities
Dental technology is a global profession. Throughout the world, there is a high demand for skilled dental technicians. The high skill base that New Zealand dental technicians achieve makes them desirable to overseas employers.
In New Zealand and Australia, dental technicians are employed by commercial dental laboratories. These laboratories provide the bulk of work for the private dental industry, the defence forces, hospitals and state dental services.
The ratio of employer to employee is approximately 1:3, and many dental technicians ultimately set up business for themselves. There are no barriers to becoming self-employed.
The areas within the profession are diverse, with individuals specialising in different areas of dental technology.
Entry criteria
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) on the advice of the Faculty of Dentistry.
Every applicant must present evidence of ability for advanced level academic study, and
- have Diploma/Bachelor of Dental Technology or
- have alternative qualifications and experience acceptable to the Dean of Dentistry (in considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be given to the detail of the course of study followed, as well as the applicant's performance).
If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 7.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 7.0) or Internet-based TOEFL of 102 or better with a minimum of 24 in each section; or Paper-based TOEFL of 600 or better with a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0 or better. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.
Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.Studying in NZ
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