Continuing Education courses for Summer II and Fall 2026 are now available to view in Self-Service. Course sections listed with a begin date after July 1, 2026 will open for registration on July 1, 2026.
Durham Tech’s Restorative Dental Technology program is a hands-on, career-focused program that prepares students to work behind the scenes in dentistry by creating dental prosthetics. With accredited training, multiple entry pathways, and certification opportunities, the program provides a structured route into the dental laboratory profession.
“I chose restorative dental because with my background of 13 years as a dental assistant I just fell in love with everything teeth and enjoyed fabricating dental things in the dental office. I knew there was so much more I could do,” said Durham Tech student Shannon Hock, who is set to graduate with her associate degree in 2028. “I felt I should branch out and do something dental lab-related. Durham Tech’s restorative dental program is the only one accredited in the state, so I knew I’d be getting into a quality program.”
Being the only in-state accredited option makes Durham Tech’s program both valuable and competitive. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
“I looked at another restorative dental program located outside of North Carolina, but once I saw how serious Durham Tech was about teaching the techniques involved in dental technology, I knew it was where I needed to be,” said student Khuram Shahzad.
Shahzad currently lives in Virginia and makes the two-hour drive to Durham every Sunday. He rents a place in town so he can attend the in-person, interactive classes on Durham Tech’s Main Campus.
“The drive is tough, but it’s worth the sacrifice for the amount of learning I am receiving,” Shahzad said. “All of what I am learning will be beneficial to me in the future. My Durham Tech education is valuable so long-distance commuting is a sacrifice I am willing to make.”
The restorative dental program offers multiple stackable certificates and can lead to an associate in applied science degree.
The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with hands-on laboratory and clinical experience. Students are trained in both the scientific and technical aspects of restorative dentistry.
Areas taught in the program include:
- Dental anatomy and physiology
- Dental materials
- Fabrication of complete dentures
- Fixed prosthodontics (crowns and bridges)
- Removable prosthodontics (partials and dentures)
“I took a year off to be with my baby, but I’m set to graduate in spring 2028 with my associate degree,” Restorative Dental student Veronica Castrellon said. “When I retired from doing nails, I knew I wanted to stay in a hands-on type of job. I was studying to be a dental hygienist, but knew I wanted even more hands-on, so I searched the field for three months before finding the restorative dental program at Durham Tech. I love it. So far, the crafting and care that goes into nail artwork and the work that it takes to correctly craft teeth are very similar.”
Graduates of the Restorative Dental program may be eligible to take the Recognized Graduate Examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology, which can enhance employment opportunities. Graduates may go on to work in commercial dental laboratories, dental office laboratories, dental manufacturing companies or self-owned dental laboratories