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i4 Search Group

Dental Ceramist

i4 Search Group, Chesapeake, Virginia, United States, 23322

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Job Title: Dental Ceramist

Location: Virginia

Benefits: Full

Salary: 125-150k yearly DOE

Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and artistic

Dental Ceramist

to join our state-of-the-art dental laboratory team. The Ceramist will be responsible for the start-to-finish creation of high-quality, custom ceramic dental restorations, ensuring exceptional aesthetics, precision fit, and optimal function as prescribed by dental professionals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fabrication and Artistry

Read, interpret, and follow dental prescriptions, models, and digital scans with meticulous precision to fabricate custom dental restorations. Design and create various ceramic prosthetics, primarily crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays, and onlays, using materials such as porcelain, ceramics, zirconia, and composite resins. Perform all aspects of ceramic layering and buildup, including preparing and mixing porcelain powders to achieve the correct consistency and shade. Execute expert color matching, staining, glazing, and characterization techniques to achieve natural-looking aesthetics, translucency, and texture that blend seamlessly with the patient's dentition. Utilize and maintain specialized equipment, including porcelain furnaces/ovens, model trimmers, articulators, and finishing tools. Precision and Quality Control

Check and adjust restorations for proper fit, contacts, and margins to ensure complete adaptation. Verify and adjust centric occlusion with opposing models to ensure correct bite and functional anatomy. Conduct thorough quality control inspections on all finished products to ensure they meet high internal standards and the exact specifications of the dental prescription. Apply external stain and glaze to restorations and fire porcelain at the correct temperature for the proper duration to ensure durability and color stability. Technical and Collaborative

Utilize modern digital dental technologies, including CAD/CAM software and digital scanning, for designing and milling restorations, where applicable. Collaborate and communicate effectively with dentists, dental technicians, and laboratory staff to discuss case requirements, solve complex aesthetic challenges, and provide technical guidance. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, adhering to all health, safety, and infection control regulations. Stay current on new dental materials, technologies, and ceramic techniques through continuous professional development. Required Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

Proven proficiency in ceramic layering, waxing, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), and all-ceramic restorations (e.g., zirconia, E.max). Expertise in color matching and the principles of dental aesthetics and color theory. Thorough knowledge of dental anatomy, tooth morphology, and occlusion principles. Familiarity with CAD/CAM technology and digital dental workflows is a strong advantage. Soft Skills

Exceptional Manual Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

for working with small, delicate materials and tools. Artistic Aptitude and Attention to Detail

for creating lifelike and aesthetically pleasing restorations. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases and meet strict deadlines. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Education and Experience

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required. Associate's degree or certification from an accredited Dental Laboratory Technology program is highly desirable. Minimum of [Insert Number, e.g., 3-5] years of hands-on experience as a Dental Ceramist or specialized Dental Lab Technician. Work Environment

Work is performed in a dental laboratory setting. Potential exposure to dust, chemicals, and hazardous materials; adherence to all safety protocols is mandatory. Requires standing for extended periods and making repetitive motions.