On account of the lack in the past of facilities for training there has arisen widespread and urgent demand for qualified dental mechanics. Well-informed dentists, who have the interest of the profession at heart, appreciate the present necessity for men trained in this particular phase of dentistry.
There are in the United States alone nearly 1,000 cities of more than 5,000 population. The smallest of these would afford employment to one mechanical dentist or more, working on salary or independently. Of the total number of cities, 60 have populations ranging from 40,000 to 100,000; each of these cities will afford employment to a large number of mechanical dentists. Forty of the 60 have populations of 100,000 and over. New York is the largest and it is estimated that it alone affords employment for thousands of mechanical dentists. Each of the other 39 cities gives large opportunities for capable members of this profession.
Qualifications
Previous Training.—No previous knowledge of dentistry or experience in mechanical work is necessary to qualify the student for mechanical dentistry, though those who have had experience such as mechanics in the jewelry trade, metal working industries where small work is a feature, or photography will find that the former work is a good foundation.
Education.—An average education is all that is absolutely required for the student of mechanical dentistry, though a high-school training and a knowledge of physics, chemistry, and manual training is desirable.
Personal Qualifications.—A natural intelligence, a moderate amount of ability to work with the fingers, perseverance and neatness are the essentials for success.
Age.—There is no age limit for the man who wishes to take up this vocation.
Training
Time required.—The length of time required to train men for mechanical dentistry may vary, according to previous education, experience and his type of disability. In many places the training is not done by classes, but through personal instruction, and the completion of the course lies with the aptitude of the student. The average time required is believed to be about one college year unless, as in some special cases, an intensive course of four months or so is instituted. These have been opened in some places. This refers to the time required when a course is taken rather than an apprenticeship in some laboratory of a private dentist.
Type of Training.—A course in mechanical dentistry is a practical one in which the student learns by doing. The work is demonstrated by a capable instructor, and then the students themselves do the actual work. There are a limited number of lectures, and an effort is made to give a sufficient fundamental knowledge for all the ordinary manipulations required in the trade.