Faculty: Health Sciences The Dental Prosthetics Technology major focuses on the design, fabrication, and repair of dental prostheses, including dentures, crowns, bridges, and implants. Students develop skills in dental materials, laboratory techniques, and digital dentistry. Graduates are prepared for careers as dental technicians, laboratory managers, and dental prosthetics specialists in dental laboratories, clinics, and hospitals. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamentals of dental prosthetics and materials science. - Develop skills in dental laboratory techniques and digital dentistry. - Learn techniques for designing, fabricating, and repairing dental prostheses. - Explore principles of dental anatomy, occlusion, and esthetics. - Analyze and interpret dental prosthetics data and patient requirements. - Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills for effective dental prosthetics practice. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Dental Prosthetics Technology** - Overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in dental prosthetics technology. - Fundamentals of dental prostheses, materials, and laboratory techniques. 2. **Dental Materials Science** - Principles of dental materials science, including properties, selection, and manipulation of materials. - Techniques for understanding and applying dental materials in prosthetics fabrication. 3. **Dental Laboratory Techniques** - Principles of dental laboratory techniques, including waxing, investing, casting, and finishing. - Techniques for performing various laboratory procedures in dental prosthetics fabrication. 4. **Digital Dentistry** - Principles of digital dentistry, including CAD/CAM technologies, 3D printing, and digital workflows. - Techniques for designing and manufacturing dental prostheses using digital technologies. 5. **Dental Anatomy and Occlusion** - Principles of dental anatomy and occlusion, including tooth morphology, arch forms, and occlusal schemes. - Techniques for applying dental anatomy and occlusion principles in prosthetics design. 6. **Esthetics in Dental Prosthetics** - Principles of esthetics in dental prosthetics, including shade matching, characterization, and smile design. - Techniques for creating aesthetically pleasing dental prostheses. 7. **Implant Prosthetics** - Principles of implant prosthetics, including implant components, surgical guides, and prosthetic designs. - Techniques for fabricating and restoring dental implants. 8. **Internship/Practicum** - Real-world experiences in dental prosthetics settings, including internships and hands-on projects in dental laboratories, clinics, or hospitals. - Application of learned skills in practical dental prosthetics scenarios. 9. **Capstone Project in Dental Prosthetics Technology** - Comprehensive project applying skills in dental materials science, laboratory techniques, or digital dentistry. - Delivery of a polished dental prosthetics project, case study, or research presentation. **Assessment Methods:** - Dental materials science projects, laboratory technique reports, digital dentistry projects, dental anatomy and occlusion analyses, esthetics in dental prosthetics studies, implant prosthetics projects, internship/practicum reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Dental Prosthetics Technology" by various authors. - "Dental Materials Science" by various authors. - "Dental Laboratory Techniques" by various authors. - "Digital Dentistry" by various authors. - "Dental Anatomy and Occlusion" by various authors. - "Esthetics in Dental Prosthetics" by various authors. - "Implant Prosthetics" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and an interest in dental technology and materials science. **Major Duration:** Typically 2-4 years for an associate or bachelor's degree, including coursework, internships, and capstone projects. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree or certificate in Dental Prosthetics Technology and pursue further education or professional certifications, such as those offered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) or the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC). **Target Audience:** Aspiring dental technicians, laboratory managers, dental prosthetics specialists, and healthcare professionals seeking careers in dental laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and various dental prosthetics-related roles. This major equips students with the technical, laboratory, and digital skills needed to excel in dental prosthetics technology, supporting careers in various dental and healthcare settings specializing in prosthetics fabrication.