FAQ
What’s an MDT?
The Masters Dental Technician (MDT Zahntechnikermeister), MDT, is an internationally recognized dental technology degree. The bearer may work on all specialty areas within advanced dental technology, customer service, business ownership and trusted advisor. An MDT must practice according to the laws that govern health professionals and practice according to the high standards expected by their professional degree.
One must successfully complete a theory exam and a practical exam to be permitted into masters school. Academic expectations are set very high.
To earn a Masters Dental Technician degree, one must complete eight years dental technology studies to learn specified techniques for all technologies available in the field. They must demonstrate an aptitude and interest in the ongoing awareness and use of emerging technologies
The focus of the MDT education encourages students to also look at the bigger picture versus the individual parts. This skill is important for full mouth restorations, large complex or challenging cases, or treatment planning.
A successful MDT completes the following:
Theory: Extensive classroom education and theory
Practicum with a specialized master technician educator/lecturer.
Practicum and chair-side with dentists and prosthodontists.
Apprenticeship: Government mandated apprentice program with a certified dental laboratory; to gain practical experience with every appliance available in dental technology.
Meet or exceed academic expectations: Blend classroom theory with practical learning
Two week final exam and two weeks of written theory exam.
Ongoing continuing education and training: MDTs are expected learn further skills of current and upcoming technologies and best practices.
What’s an RDT?
The Registered Dental Technician, RDT can be a graduate of an approved educational program OR they can study dental technology on the job and take a test. The title is registered by a government authority in Canada. Most provinces have a Registar.
An RDT must have either an education and/or practical training:
Formal education at a recognized school for 2, 3 or 4 years in Dental Technology OR alternatively, candidates with 5 years of work experience in a registered dental technology lab may apply for an exception. They must prove they have the equivalent skills and they may earn the certification through written and practical testing.
RDT requires 30 continuing education [CD] credits every three years.
And RDT must pass all exams, practice according to the laws that govern health professionals in the province, practice according to the standards and the qualities set by their registrar.