[Core] [94% incumbents] Read prescriptions or specifications to determine the type of product or device to be fabricated and the materials and tools required.
  DWAs: Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.

[Core] [94% incumbents] Make orthotic or prosthetic devices, using materials such as thermoplastic and thermosetting materials, metal alloys and leather, and hand or power tools.
  DWAs: Construct customized assistive medical or dental devices.

[Core] [94% incumbents] Lay out and mark dimensions of parts, using templates and precision measuring instruments.
  DWAs: Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.

[Core] [94% incumbents] Fit appliances onto patients, and make any necessary adjustments.
  DWAs: Measure clients to ensure proper product fit.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Repair, modify, or maintain medical supportive devices, such as artificial limbs, braces, or surgical supports, according to specifications.
  DWAs: Repair medical or dental assistive devices.

[Core] [93% incumbents] Service or repair machinery used in the fabrication of appliances.
  DWAs: Repair production equipment or tools.

[Supplemental] [93% incumbents] Mix pigments to match patients' skin coloring, according to formulas, and apply mixtures to orthotic or prosthetic devices.
  DWAs: Mix ingredients to create specific finishes. | Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.

[Core] [92% incumbents] Polish artificial limbs, braces, or supports, using grinding and buffing wheels.
  DWAs: Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products. | Operate grinding equipment.

[Core] [91% incumbents] Drill and tap holes for rivets, and glue, weld, bolt, or rivet parts together to form prosthetic or orthotic devices.
  DWAs: Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials. | Operate welding equipment.

[Core] [91% incumbents] Bend, form, and shape fabric or material to conform to prescribed contours of structural components.
  DWAs: Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production.

[Core] [91% incumbents] Construct or receive casts or impressions of patients' torsos or limbs for use as cutting and fabrication patterns.
  DWAs: Cast molds of patient anatomies to create medical or dental devices.

[Core] [91% incumbents] Cover or pad metal or plastic structures or devices, using coverings such as rubber, leather, felt, plastic, or fiberglass.
  DWAs: Construct customized assistive medical or dental devices.

[Core] [91% incumbents] Take patients' body or limb measurements for use in device construction.
  DWAs: Measure clients to ensure proper product fit.

[Core] [91% incumbents] Instruct patients in use of prosthetic or orthotic devices.
  DWAs: Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment.

[Core] [88% incumbents] Test medical supportive devices for proper alignment, movement, or biomechanical stability, using meters and alignment fixtures.
  DWAs: Inspect medical or dental assistive devices.

[EMERGING:New] Order parts or supplies for orthotic or prosthetic devices.

--- SKILLS ---
  Active Listening (imp:3.88 lvl:3.62) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.75 lvl:3.50) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Reading Comprehension (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Speaking (imp:3.62 lvl:3.12) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Monitoring (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Writing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Active Learning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Mathematics (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Production and Processing (imp:3.89 lvl:4.26) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:3.68 lvl:4.21) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  English Language (imp:3.47 lvl:3.94) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Mechanical (imp:3.43 lvl:3.85) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  Design (imp:3.28 lvl:3.76) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Education and Training (imp:3.07 lvl:3.60) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Mathematics (imp:3.00 lvl:3.17) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Administration and Management (imp:2.95 lvl:3.25) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Administrative (imp:2.89 lvl:3.17) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.89 lvl:3.31) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Physics (imp:2.87 lvl:3.53) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Building and Construction (imp:2.76 lvl:3.13) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:2.73 lvl:2.82) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.65 lvl:2.64) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.63 lvl:3.04) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Chemistry (imp:2.57 lvl:3.09) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Sales and Marketing (imp:2.49 lvl:2.23) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:2.46 lvl:2.40) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:2.40 lvl:2.41) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Law and Government (imp:2.21 lvl:2.15) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Communications and Media (imp:2.20 lvl:2.05) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Biology (imp:2.18 lvl:2.01) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Psychology (imp:2.18 lvl:2.09) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Economics and Accounting (imp:2.15 lvl:1.55) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Foreign Language (imp:2.06 lvl:1.91) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Transportation (imp:1.98 lvl:1.70) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Telecommunications (imp:1.81 lvl:1.52) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Fine Arts (imp:1.69 lvl:1.30) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.66 lvl:1.11) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.54 lvl:1.12) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Geography (imp:1.50 lvl:1.07) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  History and Archeology (imp:1.49 lvl:0.83) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Food Production (imp:1.35) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food

--- ABILITIES ---
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.88 lvl:3.88) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.88 lvl:3.62) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Near Vision (imp:3.88 lvl:4.00) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Oral Expression (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.75 lvl:3.62) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Visualization (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.75 lvl:3.50) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Information Ordering (imp:3.62 lvl:3.12) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.62 lvl:3.62) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:3.50 lvl:3.12) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.50 lvl:3.25) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.50 lvl:3.38) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.50 lvl:3.12) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Control Precision (imp:3.38 lvl:3.62) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.38 lvl:2.88) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Written Comprehension (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Written Expression (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Originality (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Selective Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Trunk Strength (imp:3.00 lvl:2.50) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Depth Perception (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Time Sharing (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Far Vision (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Auditory Attention (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Number Facility (imp:2.75 lvl:2.88) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Reaction Time (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.62 lvl:2.25) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Static Strength (imp:2.62 lvl:2.62) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Memorization (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Response Orientation (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Rate Control (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Stamina (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.62 lvl:1.12) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Night Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.00) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Sound Localization (imp:1.00) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Getting Information (imp:4.05 lvl:4.06) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.87 lvl:3.89) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.87 lvl:4.13) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.70 lvl:4.35) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.67 lvl:4.58) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.63 lvl:4.15) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.61 lvl:4.42) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.59 lvl:3.20) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Thinking Creatively (imp:3.58 lvl:4.16) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.44 lvl:3.86) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Processing Information (imp:3.40 lvl:3.69) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:3.31 lvl:3.92) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.30 lvl:3.41) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:3.30 lvl:4.04) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.29 lvl:3.52) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.29 lvl:4.41) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.22 lvl:3.93) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.22 lvl:3.15) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.15 lvl:2.96) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:3.13 lvl:3.47) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:3.13 lvl:3.93) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.12 lvl:4.06) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.08 lvl:3.44) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:3.04 lvl:3.27) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:2.99 lvl:3.06) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.80 lvl:2.85) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.79 lvl:2.89) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.76 lvl:2.97) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.73 lvl:2.87) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Working with Computers (imp:2.59 lvl:2.52) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.59 lvl:2.87) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.58 lvl:3.06) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.56 lvl:2.54) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.56 lvl:2.94) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:2.54 lvl:2.97) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.43 lvl:2.44) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.29 lvl:2.42) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:1.99 lvl:1.87) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.85 lvl:1.58) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:1.83 lvl:1.17) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.72 lvl:1.34) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:3.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.77) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Dependability (imp:2.53) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.28) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Attention to Detail (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity (imp:1.89) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.58) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:1.40) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Cooperation (imp:1.31) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Innovation (imp:1.28) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Empathy (imp:1.27) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Self-Control (imp:1.25) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Sincerity (imp:1.21) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.14) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:1.09) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:1.05) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.94) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Adaptability (imp:0.89) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Initiative (imp:0.76) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Optimism (imp:0.71) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Humility (imp:0.67) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:0.12) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.06) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Troubleshooting (imp:3.62 lvl:3.12) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:3.50 lvl:3.00) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.50 lvl:3.00) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:3.38 lvl:3.00) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.25 lvl:3.12) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Service Orientation (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Instructing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Time Management (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Persuasion (imp:2.88 lvl:2.38) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Negotiation (imp:2.75 lvl:2.12) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Operation and Control (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.62 lvl:2.12) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Operations Analysis (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:2.38 lvl:2.38) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Installation (imp:1.50 lvl:0.88) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Programming (imp:1.38 lvl:0.38) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 11,280
  annual_median    : $48,030
  annual_pct10     : $36,510
  annual_pct25     : $42,210
  annual_pct75     : $60,580
  annual_pct90     : $75,740
  annual_mean      : $52,730
  hourly_median    : $23.09

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Arizona ($72,760)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($26,050)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.793x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (41 total) ---
  Manufacturing                            emp:    5,980  median: $  46,850
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    2,210  median: $  51,150
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:    1,390  median: $  54,770
  Retail Trade                             emp:    1,080  median: $  49,290
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      270  median: $  43,420
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      170  median: $  58,440

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (6 total) ---
  Manufacturing                            emp:    5,980  median: $  46,850
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:    2,210  median: $  51,150
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:    1,390  median: $  54,770
  Retail Trade                             emp:    1,080  median: $  49,290
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      270  median: $  43,420
  Management of Companies and Enterprises  emp:      170  median: $  58,440

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Dental technician
match_score        : 0.6087
wikidata_qid       : Q144075
word_count         : 1,358
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_technician
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:23:59.516529Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
A dental technician is a member of the dental team who, upon prescription from a dental clinician, constructs custom-made restorative and dental appliances.
There are four major disciplines within dental technology. These are fixed prosthesis including crowns, bridges and implants; removable prosthesis, including dentures and removable partial dentures; maxillofacial prosthesis, including ocular prosthesis and craniofacial prosthesis; and orthodontics and auxiliaries, including orthodontic appliances and mouthguards.
The dentist communicates with the dental technician with prescriptions, drawings, and measurements taken from the patient. The most important aspect of this is a dental impression into which the technician flows a gypsum dental stone to create a replica of the patient's anatomy known as a dental cast. A technician can then use this cast for the construction of custom appliances.


== Fixed restorations ==
A fixed dental restoration is an appliance designed to replace a tooth or teeth that may have been lost or damaged by injury, caries or other oral diseases. These restorations are distinguished from other restorations by the fact that once they have been placed by a dentist the patient can not remove them.
Such restorations include crowns, bridges, veneers, fixed implant restorations, pivot teeth, inlays and onlays.


== Removable restorations ==
Removable restorations are dental appliances to replace one or more teeth that have been completely lost. These restorations ideally remain stable in normal function but can be removed by the patient for cleaning and at night. Removable restorations are either retained by the patients soft tissue as in full dentures, anchored and stabilized by other teeth as with partial dentures and overdentures or on implant attachments as with implant-retained overdentures and partial dentures.


== Orthodontics ==
Orthodontic technicians make removable orthodontic appliances with wires, springs, and screws on prescription from an orthodontist to either move teeth to form a more harmonious occlusion and aesthetic appearance of teeth or to maintain the position of previously moved teeth.


== Specialization ==
Training to become a dental technician requires a combination of academic study as well as experience gained from working on the job. Therefore, regardless of the country that they are from, after becoming a qualified technician (so long as the title of “dental technician” exists there) one has finished their studies, but not their training since these crafts take years of experience to master.
Depending on the position held by the dental technician, their specific title could differ as well (“ceramicist”, “polisher”, “orthodontist”, etc.). In fact, due to the complexity of the work that is carried out by dental technicians, a professional generally specializes in one field of dental prosthesis. Since the range of devices to design and create is extremely varied, it would be impossible to make all of them with the same set of skills, further, to completely master any technique may require years of experience.
In general, the first step a dental technician makes is to “master the plaster”, meaning that they first start in the part of the lab where dental impressions are made, cutting models, and mounting articulators. The dental technician may acquire the ability to carry out various and disparate tasks in the lab, being able to even execute most steps in the production of various prosthetics, such as removable partial dentures, complete and partially made of resin, and orthodontic devices (including braces and retainers). Nevertheless, as mentioned previously, dental technicians need to specialize; in fact, there are many specific dental labs that exist for each and every type of prosthesis.
The distinct specialties are described below:


=== Polisher ===
A polisher is a dental technician who dedicates themselves to the setup of teeth, either in making removable prosthetics made of resin or metal, molding the neck of the tooth, or loading the resin. Within their profession, they can also be referred to as a waxer.


=== Metalworker ===
A metalworker is a dental technician who is in charge of casting dental rods, which means they mold the metal and obtain the metallic frames for fixed prostheses, similar to the removable prosthetics made of resin. They are also in charge of processing and reworking said metal. These professionals can also be in charge of designing the wax patterns of removable metallic prostheses, such as the copings of crowns and fixed bridges. Among other things, this depends on the dental technician and the lab in which they work.


=== Prosthetic orthodontists ===
It is very common to differentiate a prosthetist who works with removable orthodontics, as it is normal to find professionals who specialize in this field. Removable equipment consists of a variety of different devices, each with specific naming and characteristics. Prosthetic orthodontists should be both agile and precise when handling different pliers and manipulating wires.


=== Ceramicist ===
A ceramicist is a dental physician who has specialized in the final stage of making fixed prosthetics, which consists of the assembly of ceramic on different prosthetic structures such as: bridges, crowns, prosthetic implants or prosthetic attachments. This technique is complex and requires artistic talent, so much so that dental technicians can achieve different levels of ability, developing their creativity to a greater or lesser extent to give your teeth the most natural look possible. As such, ceramicists are often considered valued professionals.


== Products ==
Dental technicians predominantly make dentures, or similarly, create artificial parts that are intended to basically replace the natural, missing teeth of the patient.
Therefore, dental technicians make complete resin prosthetics (commonly called dentures), partial prosthetics (being metallic or made of resin), bridges and crowns of any type (fixed prosthetics, also called dental implants), and mixed prosthetic devices. Further, dental technicians also make all removable orthodontic devices (removable orthodontics), dental splints, individual compression trays, temporary resin prosthetics, bite plates, as well as study models. Dental technicians are also in charge of making composites (the repairing of prosthetics in case they break) and relining (the readjustment of prosthetics when they are too big or become flimsy in the mouth due to the reabsorption of alveolar bone over time). All of these, concerning the plaster models or instructor models, being a crime that acts on the patient's mouth.
In every country that legally regulates the profession of dental technicians, the prosthetist is the only professional trained and authorized by law to make the previously mentioned products.
By law, dental technicians can never, even if there is a medical prescription, take impressions- the client of the prosthetists is legally the dentist, and it is considered an intrusive crime by the Penal Code if a prosthetist touches the mouth of the patient.


== Objectives ==
The goal of a dental technician can be summarized as restoring functionality, health, and aesthetic of the mouth.
The only goal of a prosthetist is not just to create a prosthetic, but rather to restore the loss of functionality of a patient's mouth, from mastication and swallowing to speaking and correct phonetics. Through the work of a prosthetist, a patient's oral health, mechanical function, hygiene, and comfort are revamped, including the aesthetic of the mouth and face.
This objective is a combined effort between clinical and lab members, an effort that is, in part, coordinated and achieved by the dentist and the prosthetist. That said, the only one in charge of the creation of prosthetics is the prosthetist, being a handcrafted, personalized, unique item designed in the dental lab.


== Commemorative days 

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Medical device (similarity: 0.5116)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_device
  QID: Q6554101
  Extract: A medical device is any device intended to be used for medical purposes. Significant potential for hazards are inherent when using a device for medical purposes and thus medical devices must be proved safe and effective with reasonable assurance before regulating governments allow marketing of the d

  Title: Airport rescue and firefighting services in the United Kingdom (similarity: 0.0879)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_rescue_and_firefighting_services_in_the_United_Kingdom
  QID: Q4698976
  Extract: The provision of rescue and firefighting services (RFFS) at all airports and aerodromes in the United Kingdom is a requirement under British law and under international agreements set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

  Title: Custom-made medical device (similarity: 0.4000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom-made_medical_device
  QID: Q110639968
  Extract: A custom-made medical device, commonly referred to as a custom-made device (CMD) or a custom device, is a medical device designed and manufactured for the sole use of a particular patient. Examples of custom-made medical devices include auricular splints, dentures, orthodontic appliances, orthotics 

  Title: Denturist (similarity: 0.1579)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denturist
  QID: Q2901403
  Extract: A denturist in the United States and Canada, clinical dental technologist in the United Kingdom and Ireland, dental prosthetist in Australia, or a clinical dental technician in New Zealand is a member of the oral health care team and role as primary oral health care provider who provides an oral hea

  Title: IPhone 13 (similarity: 0.2632)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone_13
  QID: Q108118280
  Extract: The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini are smartphones that were developed and marketed by Apple. They are the fifteenth generation of iPhones, succeeding the iPhone 12 and 12 Mini. They were unveiled at an Apple Event in Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on September 14, 2021, alongside the higher-pri

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on detailed O*NET data covering tasks, skills, abilities, and work activities. Clear differentiation from related occupations and comprehensive wage and employment data from BLS OEWS May 2025.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T02:28:25.263404+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,839
tokens_output        : 4,537
cost_usd             : $0.051026
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : Dental technician
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia match for 'Dental technician' is related but distinct, as dental technicians focus on dental appliances while medical appliance technicians work on broader medical supportive devices. The semantic neighbor 'Custom-made medical device' is more relevant to this occupation's scope.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Medical Appliance Technicians construct, maintain, and repair medical supportive devices including braces, orthotics, prosthetics, arch supports, and surgical appliances according to prescriptions and specifications. They combine technical fabrication skills with precision measurement and fitting to create custom medical devices that improve patient mobility and quality of life. These skilled technicians work primarily in manufacturing settings but also interface directly with patients to ensure proper fit and functionality of medical appliances.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
A Medical Appliance Technician begins by reading prescriptions or specifications to determine the exact type of device needed and required materials. They use templates and precision measuring instruments to lay out and mark dimensions of parts before fabricating orthotic or prosthetic devices using thermoplastic, thermosetting materials, and metal alloys. The technician drills holes, welds, bolts, or rivets parts together to form complete devices, then polishes and finishes products using grinding and buffing wheels. Patient fittings involve careful adjustments to ensure proper comfort and functionality. They also repair and maintain existing medical devices, service fabrication machinery, and may mix pigments to match patients' skin coloring for cosmetic appeal.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role possess strong realistic interests with excellent hand-eye coordination, arm-hand steadiness, and near vision abilities for precision work. They demonstrate high problem sensitivity and visualization skills to identify issues and envision solutions when creating custom medical devices. Successful technicians show dependability and attention to detail since their work directly impacts patient health and mobility. Strong oral comprehension and expression abilities enable effective communication with patients during fittings and with healthcare providers about specifications. Those who thrive combine technical mechanical aptitude with empathy for patients requiring medical assistance devices.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most Medical Appliance Technicians enter the field with an associate's degree (26.3%) or high school diploma (21.2%), though some have bachelor's degrees (18.2%). Training typically includes coursework in manufacturing processes, materials science, anatomy, and medical device regulations. Many gain skills through apprenticeships or on-the-job training in manufacturing facilities or prosthetic/orthotic laboratories. Certification through professional organizations may be required or preferred by employers.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Entry-level technicians typically advance to senior fabrication roles with increased responsibility for complex devices and patient consultations. Career progression may lead to supervisory positions overseeing production teams or specialization in specific device types like prosthetics or orthotics. Some technicians pursue additional certification to become Certified Pedorthotists or advance into related roles such as Medical Equipment Repairers or move into sales and customer service roles within medical device companies.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The field employs 11,280 workers nationally with a median annual wage of $48,030, ranging from $36,510 at the 10th percentile to $75,740 at the 90th percentile according to BLS OEWS May 2025. Geographic wage variation is significant, with Arizona leading at $72,760 compared to Puerto Rico's $26,050, representing a 2.79x differential. Manufacturing employs the largest share with 5,980 workers, followed by Healthcare and Social Assistance (2,210) and Wholesale Trade (1,390). The aging population and increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity are expected to drive demand for prosthetic and orthotic devices.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Medium automation risk exists for routine fabrication tasks, but custom fitting and patient interaction elements provide protection. While 3D printing and computer-aided design tools are transforming device manufacturing, the need for skilled technicians to operate equipment, make adjustments, and ensure proper patient fit remains strong.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Dental Laboratory Technicians (51-9081.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require precision fabrication skills, reading prescriptions/specifications, and constructing custom medical devices using similar materials and techniques.
    data: Production and Processing knowledge (4.3)
    data: Precision measuring instruments
    data: Custom device fabrication
  [task_similarity] Medical Equipment Repairers (49-9062.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Shared responsibilities in repairing and maintaining medical devices, troubleshooting equipment issues, and ensuring proper functionality of medical apparatus.
    data: Troubleshooting (3.6)
    data: Service or repair machinery
    data: Equipment inspection tasks
  [job_zone] Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians (51-9083.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both are Job Zone 3 occupations requiring medium preparation with similar precision work, attention to detail, and custom fabrication skills.
    data: Job Zone 3
    data: Near Vision (4.0)
    data: Precision measuring instruments
  [skill_overlap] Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (51-2041.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared fabrication skills including welding, drilling, riveting, and shaping materials to conform to prescribed specifications.
    data: Drill and tap holes for rivets
    data: Weld, bolt, or rivet parts
    data: Mechanical knowledge (3.9)
  [knowledge_overlap] Surgical Technologists (29-2055.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both require understanding of medical procedures, sterile environments, and patient care protocols within healthcare settings.
    data: Customer and Personal Service (4.2)
    data: Healthcare industry employment
    data: Medical device knowledge
  [transferable_skill] Calibration Technologists and Technicians (17-3028.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Shared precision measurement skills, quality control analysis, and technical equipment operation capabilities.
    data: Quality Control Analysis (3.8)
    data: Precision measuring instruments
    data: Equipment calibration
  [riasec_cluster] Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic (51-9195.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both have strong Realistic interests (R:7.00) and involve shaping materials to specific forms and specifications.
    data: Realistic interests (7.00)
    data: Bend, form, and shape materials
    data: Thermoplastic materials

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['medical appliance', 'prosthetic', 'orthotic', 'brace maker', 'artificial limb', 'arch support', 'medical device fabrication', 'custom medical devices']
  exclude_keywords : ['dental technician', 'equipment repair only', 'medical sales', 'physical therapy', 'physician']
  title_patterns   : ['Medical Appliance Technician', 'Prosthetic Technician', 'Orthotic Technician', 'Brace Maker', 'Medical Device Fabricator']
  common_variations: ['Medical Appliance Maker', 'Prosthetic Fabricator', 'Orthotic Fabricator', 'Artificial Limb Maker', 'Medical Device Technician', 'Prosthetic Orthotic Technician', 'Brace Fabricator', 'Medical Supportive Device Technician']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['dental', 'tendency', 'others', 'devices', 'medical', 'equipment', 'technician', 'technicians', 'materials', 'patient', 'device', 'principles', 'prosthetic', 'removable', 'includes', 'prosthetics', 'patients', 'production', 'control', 'oral']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
dental                     64  0.01851  wikipedia            wikipedia:88%  dwas:8%  inference:5%
tendency                   42  0.01215  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     38  0.01099  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
devices                    35  0.01012  inference            inference:29%  onet_tasks:23%  wikipedia:20%
medical                    31  0.00897  inference            inference:48%  wikipedia:26%  dwas:16%
equipment                  31  0.00897  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:74%  dwas:16%  inference:6%
technician                 27  0.00781  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  inference:11%
technicians                22  0.00636  wikipedia            wikipedia:59%  inference:41%
materials                  21  0.00607  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:48%  dwas:24%  onet_tasks:14%
patient                    19  0.00549  wikipedia            wikipedia:63%  inference:32%  dwas:5%
device                     17  0.00492  wikipedia            wikipedia:53%  inference:35%  onet_tasks:12%
principles                 16  0.00463  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
prosthetic                 15  0.00434  wikipedia            wikipedia:47%  onet_tasks:33%  inference:20%
removable                  15  0.00434  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
includes                   13  0.00376  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:92%  inference:8%
prosthetics                13  0.00376  wikipedia            wikipedia:85%  inference:15%
patients                   12  0.00347  onet_tasks           onet_tasks:42%  inference:33%  onet_dimensions:8%
production                 12  0.00347  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:67%  dwas:17%  wikipedia:8%
control                    12  0.00347  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
oral                       12  0.00347  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  onet_dimensions:25%  inference:8%
objects                    12  0.00347  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
appliances                 11  0.00318  wikipedia            wikipedia:55%  inference:27%  onet_tasks:18%
body                       11  0.00318  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  onet_tasks:9%
made                       11  0.00318  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  onet_dimensions:9%  inference:9%
ideas                      11  0.00318  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
hand                       10  0.00289  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:20%  onet_tasks:10%
techniques                 10  0.00289  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
products                   10  0.00289  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  dwas:20%  wikipedia:20%
custom                     10  0.00289  wikipedia            wikipedia:60%  inference:40%
teeth                      10  0.00289  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
tools                       9  0.00260  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:56%  onet_tasks:22%  dwas:11%
problems                    9  0.00260  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
resources                   9  0.00260  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
quickly                     9  0.00260  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
activities                  9  0.00260  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
orientation                 9  0.00260  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
developing                  9  0.00260  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  wikipedia:11%
dentures                    9  0.00260  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
restorations                9  0.00260  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
specifications              8  0.00231  inference            inference:38%  onet_tasks:25%  onet_dimensions:25%