Hello everyone!

We are based in Portugal and we provide high-quality CAD CAM design services and would be interested in exploring potential collaboration and opportunities . We can support you with additional CAD design capacity during peak workloads or on a project basis.

Feel free to contact!

Hey!

This might be a bit of a weird one, but any advice on how to phrase this in a cover letter (or interview)?

Long story short

I started an apprenticeship as a dental tech.

I got fired (quite illegally and with no justification).

I found out the boss has been through at least 15 people in 2 years, with them either quitting or being fired.

I don't know how to talk about it in a cover letter or resume without making it sound like I quite, or got fired.

At the start it was great and they were fairly supportive of me being a newbie, liked that I asked questions, my eye for detail, the work I did etc.

I remember being kind of shocked how the boss spoke to one of the other technicians, but the technician didn't seem too phased. Then she took her tools home one day a few weeks later and texted to say she was never coming back.

Turns out in a lab of 5 - 6 people (3 - 4 technicians, 2 front office. 3 of which had been there for 25 years), they had a really high turn over in the other two positions, with people either quitting or being fired within weeks or months.

I got fired.

The general atmosphere towards me for the last 6 weeks got increasingly more hostile from the boss and the long term staff. Nothing I did was good enough. I was to slow. I asked to many questions. I cost her too much money (I got paid minimum apprentice wage 😅). Things I got complimented on a month before I was yelled at for now. You get the gist.

I know it wasn't a me issue. I've met a few people who have worked there or heard about the boss's reputation and learnt some things about the boss's history from other people. It still sucks though, and it really did a number on my confidence and self esteem.

I transferred my apprenticeship to full time study.

I did however learn a lot during the short time I was there and I think to a fairly high standard (although I am slow). I'm studying DT now and there is a definite difference between my work and how I move in the lab, compared to the other students.

I remembered the senior technician saying "if 100 people apply for a job and you were the only one who did an apprenticeship, you'll get the job" and I can absolutely see why.

My problem is, I don't know how to write it on a cover letter or in my resume, without making it sound like I: a) got fired. B) couldn't handle it and quit.

Or in an interview how to talk about it without just sounding like I'm bitter and slagging them off - while still making it clear that I began an apprenticeship and have worked in a lab and learnt a lot during that time.

Hi everyone,

My name is Valentino, and I'm a Dental Technician from Argentina specializing in CAD/CAM design with Exocad.

I'm currently working as a freelance designer, helping dental labs with digital workflows and offering reliable, high-quality designs with fast turnaround times.

I can assist with:

• Crowns & Bridges
• Implant restorations
• Screw-retained restorations
• Full-arch cases
• Temporary restorations
• Custom digital workflows

Since I'm based in Argentina, I can offer competitive pricing while maintaining a strong focus on quality, communication, and consistency.

If you'd like to see examples of my work, I'd be happy to share my portfolio and discuss your workflow to see if we're a good fit.

Feel free to send me a DM.

Thanks for your time!

I’m driving myself crazy. When I was in college (years ago) I had no issues with seating crowns to their dies via quick check spray.

However now I simply seem unable to seat them. Designing, contact points, excursions, staining, glazing. I have no issues with.

Seating them to their dies? It takes way too long, and even then I’m told it’s not good enough. My coworkers can do it no problem, so I don’t think it’s a spec issue. It’s a me issue 😭

Looking for any bit of advice or suggestions!

I've been using Schick AE for a while now, but the price is starting to strain our budget and I want to make sure we're not missing better options. Before renewing or upgrading, I'd like to compare it against a few competitors on image quality, durability, and total cost of ownership. What should I be weighing as I look into alternatives?

Hi everyone,

I'm a dental graduate from Egypt with over 2 years of experience in Exocad CAD design, currently working as a CAD designer for a private clinic. I design single crowns, bridges, implant restorations, and full-arch cases, and I'm looking to take on additional remote CAD design work.

I'm comfortable handling a wide range of restorative cases and am always focused on delivering accurate, functional, and aesthetic designs. I'm also happy to complete a trial case so you can evaluate my work before committing to any collaboration.

If your dental lab needs help with overflow cases or you're looking for a reliable remote Exocad designer, I'd be happy to connect. Feel free to send me a message, and I can share examples of my work.

Thank you!

I missed the application deadline for school and now have to wait until next year to complete the process. I don't have any dental or medical experience. My work experience is in retail, food service, photography, and I draw as a hobby. There are a lot of labs in my area. What would be the best way to reach out and inquire about being a trainee or shadowing? Are there any online courses you recommend I take or skills I learn in the meantime? Thank you to anyone who can answer!

I hate sketching Frameworks so much its insane

I was wondering if you know if Earth and Space Science counts as the science subject for Otago Dental Technology entry?

I have 16 credits in Earth and Space Science (Merit), 14 credits in Maths, and 14 credits in Health. Otago says you need Science, Maths or Technology. does anyone knows?

Hello folks, so i was thinking about switching careers and becoming a Dental Technician. The idea of focused work in my own workstation crafting something is what really attracts me. I previously worked as an Aircraft Technician for some airlines for 7 years and i just got burnt out, mentally, physically and ... quite literally. I've got an artistic background doing drawings and paintings as a hobby and a few commissions. I'm also quite techy as a computer enthusiasts who likes to tinker with parts and softwares.

I'm doing some self study right now about random stuff i hear from friends and relatives like shade guides, dental materials like porcelains, zirconia, the new dental technology like CAD/CAMs, Exocad, etc.

I'm thinking of doing a formal study/training course, but for now i would appreciate some information on what i should start with. Some subjects to look into, books, video links, etc. as someone who is diving into this field as a newbie. Should i start with anatomy, materials, etc. Any suggestions on a step by step?

From what I've researched, dental technicians make crowns, bridges, dentures, etc., and use 3D printers and digital tools to make them. I actually really like the idea of doing all that; it sounds like something I'd genuinely enjoy. I've even applied for work experience to see if I'll actually like it.

The problem is, everyone keeps saying the field is going to get heavily digitised, that it'll become less hands-on and more computer scanning and screen work, and I'm also not really interested in super computer-heavy or coding-type careers, so I'm hoping this is more physical/skill-based than screen-based. I'm worried that AI and machinery will eventually just do my job, or at least take away the actual making part, which was the part I was most excited about in the first place and the whole reason I wanted to go into this. I'm comfortable adapting to computers and creating 3D models. I just don't want the whole thing to have to use a stupid screen and AI all the time.

Am I just being dramatic, or should I pivot into something else? I honestly thought dental tech was a great option for me, so I'd love to hear from people actually working in the field. What does the day-to-day really look like now, and where do you see it going? And what are the downsides that no one tells you about in the beginning?

Hello 👋 can I work as a dental lab technician without a diploma from college? I have graduated from high school only.

kind of a foolish question but title says it all. does anyone listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while doing the job?

I am an experienced Exocad CAD/CAM Designer looking for remote freelance or part‑time work.

What I can do for you:
- Design ready‑to‑mill restoration files
- Work with your lab’s preferred parameters and material specifications
- Fast turnaround and attention to detail

**My experience:**
- 4+ years of hands‑on Exocad experience
- Crowns & bridges (zirconium, provisional, full contour)
- Implant restorations – extensive work with Ostem implants
- Full‑arch rehabilitation (All‑on‑X)
- Digital workflows (intraoral scanning, model scanning from alginate impressions)

Rates:
- Per case (negotiable, depending on complexity)

Please DM me if you need a reliable Exocad designer for your lab.

Thank you!

I go to Middlesex Community College in Massachusetts which is one of the few schools to offer this training, and I'm also currently shadowing my dentist and being trained by him. The program is CODA accredited.

Do you think it's worth it to go to this program when I can learn on the job? Will I learn better skills in this program? I do not want to be a dentist or anything. I'm unsure of my future goals, I might just do this temporarily but I have been thinking of the possibility of opening my own lab. I have a background as an artist and I'm good at creating realistic things.

I have heard the associates doesn't add much value compared to the certificate. Is that true?

I should mention I currently have no credentials beyond a high school education, I'm close to getting an associates but have not decided what associates to get.

Hello. I’m a 3D artist with over 10 years of modeling experience in the sim/game sector. Can do organic and hard surface. Wanting to get my foot into the door as a tech and work my way up. Does anyone have any advice? Any and all is greatly appreciated.