Medical, dental, and ophthalmic laboratory technicians generally work in
clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated laboratories. They have limited
contact with the public. Salaried laboratory technicians usually work 40
hours a week, but some work part time. At times, technicians wear goggles to
protect their eyes, gloves to handle hot objects, or masks to avoid inhaling
dust. They may spend a great deal of time standing.
Dental technicians
usually have their own workbenches, which can be equipped with Bunsen
burners, grinding and polishing equipment, and hand instruments, such as wax
spatulas and wax carvers. Some dental technicians have computer-aided
milling equipment to assist them with creating artificial teeth.
Source: Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2004-05 Edition
