Dental Technology Schools Adapt for the Future

By LMT Communications, Inc.

Posted Aug 26, 2026 in Management

In the early 1990s, there were 56 CODA-accredited dental laboratory technology programs in the U.S.; today, there are 10. Low enrollment, limited funding and the cost of keeping up with digital technology have contributed to that decline. However, the remaining programs are strengthening recruitment efforts, creating more flexible pathways and investing in the technology and skills laboratories require.


A fundamental challenge continues to be the lack of awareness about dental technology. If the profession remains largely hidden, how do students discover it as a career option?


At Bates Technical College, Tacoma, WA, Program Director Bob Hayes conducts ongoing outreach, including presenting at the nearby University of Washington summer program for high school students exploring oral health careers. “When we can get them to come tour our new facility and see what the dental technology students are doing here, they leave amped up and a high percentage...

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About The Author

  • LMT Communications, Inc.

    LMT Communications delivers the business strategies, information, dental laboratory news and education that dental laboratory decision-makers need to succeed. In Print. In Person. Online.

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