Volunteer Dental Equipment Engineer

The job of dental equipment engineer is one in which you would typically need to design, assemble, mend and alter dental equipment to be used in the treatment of patients. This is a profession in which work experience is of utmost importance, as it can give you an indication of the work duties you would need to undertake. It would also give you an insight as to whether or not this could be the career choice for you. If you are currently studying toward this career, or are merely thinking about it, acquiring work experience through a placement is always beneficial.

Duties include:

Typical work duties a dental equipment engineer would take on include:

• Design, assemble and mend dental equipment.
• Ensure dental equipment is in good working condition.
• You may need to create metal or plastic apparatus such as braces.
• Or you may need to design and make crowns and bridges.
• Or you may have a part to play in prosthetics.
• Use computer equipment in order to conduct your work.
• Use a variety of tools and machinery.
• Your work may require you to work in places such as private dentists or hospitals.
• You will need to maintain high standards of hand skills.
• Working as an individual and as part of a team.
• Ensure you are up-to-date with any improvements in the design of dental equipment.

Skills and education required

You will need to work toward an educational qualification in order to become a dental equipment engineer. You could work toward a BTEC National Diploma or a degree based in technology design, which typically require a good level of GCSE results. Certain courses may also require you to have an assortment of A Level results. Typical topics you would study include dental materials, prosthetics and orthodontic appliances. Skills required include good practical ability, attention to detail, aptitude for science, the ability to make sense of technical designs, good communication and accuracy.

Before you even embark on studying toward a qualification it is a good idea to gain work experience. Otherwise, you may find yourself working toward a qualification that can result in you being stuck in a job you will not enjoy. You should check with local health agencies and hospitals for any placements, or can try contacting your local recruitment agency. Useful websites include the Dental Technologists Association and NHS Jobs.