The field of dentistry has seen significant advancements over the years, especially in terms of dental technology. With the aim of providing better quality care and services to patients, dentists are constantly looking for ways to improve their practice. One way to do this is by acquiring specialized skills and knowledge through courses like Dental Technology NC IV by TESDA.
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This course covers the fundamental concepts and techniques in the fabrication, construction, and repair of various dental prosthetics based on dentist’s prescriptions. It equips students with the necessary skills to produce high-quality dental appliances that meet the specific needs of patients.
What is Dental Technology NC IV?
This course enhances the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of dental technologists per industry standards. It covers the creation and repair of dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures based on dentist prescriptions, along with dental lab management and administrative functions. It also supports career growth through continuous professional development in dental technology.
Benefits
Here are some benefits of taking Dental Technology NC IV course:
- Gain expertise in fabricating and repairing dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
- Develop skills in managing dental laboratory production and operations efficiently.
- Enhance administrative capabilities within a dental technology setting.
- Opportunities for career advancement through continuous professional growth.
- Improve industry-standard knowledge, skills, and attitudes tailored for dental technologists.
Units of Competency
To boost performance, it’s crucial to develop essential skills in various areas.
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Receive and respond to workplace communication
- Work with others
- Demonstrate work values
- Practice basic housekeeping procedures
- Participate in workplace communication
- Work in a team environment
- Practice career professionalism
- Practice occupational health and safety procedures
- Utilize specialized communication skills
- Develop teams and individuals
- Apply problem-solving techniques in the workplace
- Collect, analyze and organize information
- Plan and organize work
- Promote environmental protection
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Maintain instruments and equipment in the work area
- Assist in dental laboratory procedures
- Assist with administration in dental laboratory practice
- Apply quality standards
- Maintain an effective relationship with customers and clients
- Manage own performance
- Follow occupational health and safety policies in a dental laboratory facilities
- Maintain infection control in dental practice
- Operate a personal computer
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Fabricate models
- Fabricate custom impression trays
- Fabricate registration bite rims
- Articulate models and transfer records
- Fabricate mouth guard
- Arrange artificial teeth for complete dentures
- Set-up and wax removable partial dentures
- Wax, process and finish acrylic dentures and appliances
- Fabricate thermo-formed bases and appliances
- Repair and modify dentures and appliances
- Fabricate oral splints
- Fabricate orthodontic appliances
- Fabricate cast metal removable partial denture framework
- Fabricate metal crown and bridge structures
- Fabricate ceramic restorations
- Fabricate indirect composite/polymer fixed restorations
- Join alloy structures
- Manage dental laboratory production and operation
- Perform administrative functions
- Continue professional growth and development
Sample of Certificate of Completion
Career Opportunities
Occupational or job titles corresponding to this qualification may include:
- Dental Technologist
- Dental Lab Technical Services Supervisor
Note: The national practice of this course requires a license from the Board of Dentistry – Professional Regulations Commission.
Training Duration
The total training time is 3499 hours, with an additional 1056 hours of on-the-job training (OJT).
Note: Completing this two-year course, which includes six months of on-the-job training, is required for those applying for the PRC licensure exam.
Qualifications
To enroll in the two-year Dental Technology NC IV program, students must:
- Be physically and mentally fit (especially in eye and hand coordination)
- Have good moral character
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Reminder: Dental Technology NC IV can be obtained by completing the qualifications in Dental Laboratory Technology Services NC I, Dental Laboratory Technology Services (Removable Dentures/Appliances) NC II, and Dental Laboratory Technology Services (Fixed Dentures/Restorations) NC II. Trainees must fulfill all competency requirements for the mentioned qualifications before proceeding to Dental Technology NC IV.
Requirements
To enroll in this course, you will need the following documents:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School or College Diploma
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
- Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
- 1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures
To obtain further details, please reach out to the enrollment site that aligns with your requirements. Kindly note that the criteria may vary.
Course OJT Guidelines
Duration: 6 months / 1,056 hours
Requirements:
- The dental laboratory must be licensed and registered with the Department of Health (DOH).
- The trainer must hold a Certificate of Competency (C.O.C.) or a National Certificate (NC) II in Fixed and/or Removable Prosthetics, as well as be a Dental Technologist.
- The ratio of trainees to trainer is a maximum of 25 trainees per trainer.
- The school must provide a Trainee’s Profile and Evaluation Form for the O.J.T. program.
- The licensed dental laboratory must issue a “Certificate of Training” upon successful completion of the 6-month training.
- The training plan should be based on a curriculum developed according to competency standards for laboratory management.
- Training is individualized and self-paced.
- Training is based on tasks that must be performed in the workplace.
- Training materials should be directly related to the competency standards and curriculum.
- A memorandum of agreement must be established between the school and the licensed dental laboratory.
*On-the-job training is an approach designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the trainee through actual workplace experience, in order to acquire specific competencies as prescribed in the training regulations.
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Trainer Qualifications
Technical Requirements:
- Licensed Dentist with dental lab management experience or a Licensed Dental Technologist
- Completed Trainer’s Methodology Course
- Holder of NC I Dental Laboratory Technology Services and NC II for Fixed and Removable Dentures
Non-Technical Requirements:
- 18 units in Education
These qualifications are crucial for trainers of the Dental Technology NC IV course, ensuring they have both technical and non-technical skills to effectively teach.
Training Delivery
The delivery of training should adhere to the design of the curriculum and be guided by the 10 basic principles of competency-based TVET:
- The training is based on curriculum developed from the competency standards.
- Learning is modular in its structure.
- Training delivery is individualized and self-paced.
- Training is based on work that must be performed.
- Training materials are directly related to the competency standards and the curriculum modules.
- Assessment is based on the collection of evidence of the performance of work to the industry-required standard.
- Training includes both on- and off-the-job components.
- Allows for recognition of prior learning (RPL) or current competencies.
- Training allows for multiple entry and exit.
- Approved training programs are nationally accredited.
In accordance with RA 9484 and its implementing rules, the Dental Technology program shall include:
- A two-year in-school component.
- A six-month OJT component.
On-the-job training is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the trainee through actual workplace experience to acquire specific competencies prescribed in the training regulations.
Summary
Dental Technology NC IV is a two-year course that prepares students to become licensed dental technologists. It covers skills like fabricating dental appliances, managing lab operations, and administrative tasks, along with 6 months of on-the-job training in a licensed dental lab. Trainers meet specific qualifications to ensure effective teaching. Graduates can pursue careers as Dental Technologists or Dental Lab Technical Services Supervisors. This certification opens doors to growth in dental technology, making it a valuable pursuit. If you’re interested in creating beautiful smiles behind the scenes, consider enrolling now!
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Contact Information
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Office Address: BLDG 8, TESDA Gate 2, TESDA Complex, East Service Rd., South Superhighway, Taguig, Metro Manila.
Email Address: contactcenter@tesda.gov.ph
Telephone Number: 8887-7777
SMS Hotline: 0917-479-4370 (text only)
Website: https://www.tesda.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TESDAOfficial
