A dental technology diploma is a program that trains people to become dental technicians — the professionals who design and fabricate dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, and orthodontic appliances based on dentists' specifications, usually working in a lab rather than directly with patients. A few quick facts that might help: Duration: Typically –2 years for a diploma (vs. 3–4 years for a bachelor's degree in dental technology). What you study: Dental materials science, tooth morphology, CAD/CAM design, wax modeling, ceramics, casting, and prosthetic fabrication techniques. Career paths: Dental laboratory technician, denture specialist, orthodontic appliance technician, or further study toward becoming a certified dental technologist. Where it's offered: Community colleges, technical institutes, and some dental schools offer this — availability varies a lot by country.