Career opportunities
Dental technology is a global profession. Throughout the world, there is a high demand for skilled dental technicians. The high skill base that New Zealand dental technicians achieve makes them desirable to overseas employers.
In New Zealand and Australia, dental technicians are employed by commercial dental laboratories. These laboratories provide the bulk of work for the private dental industry, the defence forces, hospitals and state dental services.
The ratio of employer to employee is approximately 1:3, and many dental technicians ultimately set up business for themselves. There are no barriers to becoming self-employed.
The areas within the profession are diverse, with individuals specialising in different areas of dental technology.
Dental Technology at Otago
The University of Otago's Bachelor of Dental Technology programme is the only one in New Zealand. It is a three-year degree programme taught within the Faculty of Dentistry.
This creates long-lasting relationships with other dental health professionals and establishes the right dental care perspective from day one.
During your study, you will learn about the oral environment, biomaterials, design principles and practical skills in designing and fabricating appliances for the mouth.
These appliances include:
- artificial teeth (such as complete dentures)
- partial dentures
- implants
- mouth guards
- crowns
- bridges
- removable orthodontic appliances.
Postgraduate Dental Technology
If you wish to take your knowledge beyond the Bachelor of Dental Technology, there is a range of postgraduate study options.
A fourth-year honours programme is available for students who achieve high academic grades. There are further opportunities for higher study through the Master of Dental Technology and PhD programmes.
For those interested in treating patients, there is a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology. Graduates of this programme can offer a removable denture service direct to patients.
Professional registration
The profession of dental technician is registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2004). Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Technology programme are automatically entitled to register with the New Zealand Dental Council in order to practise as a registered dental technician.
How to apply
Application information for admission into the Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) programme is available on the Division of Health Sciences website:
Dental Technology: Guidelines for Admission
Recommended background
To be admitted to the course directly from school, you should have attained a minimum of 14 credits in each of two National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 approved subjects (or equivalent) from science, mathematics or technology.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech)
A three-year degree that focuses on the technical side of dentistry and prepares you to register as a dental technician
Bachelor of Dental Technology with Honours (BDentTech(Hons))
An optional fourth year of study for high-achieving students who have completed the three-year Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) programme.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasProgramme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | DTEC 102 3D and Digital Removable Prosthetics 1 | 45 |
| DTEC 111 Fundamental Sciences for Dental Technology | 30 | |
| DTEC 113 3D and Digital Fixed Prosthetics 1 | 45 | |
| 2nd year | DTEC 201 Materials Science for Dental Technology | 20 |
| DTEC 202 3D and Digital Removable Prosthetics 2 | 50 | |
| DTEC 203 3D and Digital Fixed Prosthetics 2 | 50 | |
| 3rd year | DTEC 303 Professional Practice | 12 |
| DTEC 311 Applied Research for Dental Technology | 18 | |
| DTEC 312 Integrated 3D and Digital Prosthetics | 90 |
Notes: The due date for applications for first enrolment in the programme is 15 September in the year preceding that in which the programme is to be commenced. Late applications may be considered.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
DTEC papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTEC102 | 2025 | 3D and Digital Removable Prosthetics 1 | 45 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC111 | 2025 | Fundamental Sciences for Dental Technology | 30 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC113 | 2025 | 3D and Digital Fixed Prosthetics 1 | 45 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC201 | 2025 | Materials Science for Dental Technology | 20 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC202 | 2025 | 3D and Digital Removable Prosthetics 2 | 50 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC203 | 2025 | 3D and Digital Fixed Prosthetics 2 | 50 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC303 | 2025 | Professional Practice | 12 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC311 | 2025 | Applied Research for Dental Technology | 18 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC312 | 2025 | Integrated 3D and Digital Prosthetics | 90 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC401 | 2025 | Denture Prosthodontics 1 | 45 points | Full Year |
| DTEC402 | 2025 | Denture Prosthodontics 2 | 45 points | Full Year |
| DTEC403 | 2025 | Dental Health | 30 points | Full Year |
| DTEC411 | 2025 | Dental Technology Research for Honours | 40 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
| DTEC412 | 2025 | Dental Technology Practice | 80 points | Full Year (17 February 2025 - 8 November 2025) |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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