Alumna Got Her Start in “Very Unique Career” at Middlesex CC

During her time at Middlesex Community College, Shanon Rogers, of Arlington, learned about Dental Laboratory Technology. In less than a year, MCC’s program gave her the knowledge and skills she needed to work in this “very unique career.” Her internship at a local practice also helped her land a job before she even graduated.

“I was interested in dentistry and looked into the different programs, and saw there was a lab program offered,” Rogers said. “The description matched my interests and what I felt like I was good at – things like being artistic and equally scientific, and being able to create with your hands. I got a job during my time at MCC as an in-house lab technician.”

In every class, Rogers had the opportunity to fabricate prosthetics step-by-step. This helped her experience all of the equipment and materials she would be using once working in the field. Rogers believes that people who do not go through an academic program to receive their training miss out on many of these steps – an opportunity that she now considers as “the most valuable post-graduation.”

“The knowledge of a formal dental laboratory program has allowed me to advance in my career much faster than if I was on-the-job trained,” she said. “I have a complete knowledge of all lab processes, which has set me apart and allowed me to have job positions in offices that require complete knowledge of processes start to finish.

Middlesex is one of a few accredited lab programs in the country, according to Rogers. She was grateful to have found the program at a college close to home where she already felt comfortable after taking a few classes. During her time at the Middlesex, she was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honors society for two-year colleges.

This year, Rogers and her husband opened their own lab in New Hampshire. The Lab Dental Studio specializes in removable prosthetics and implant dentures. Not only was Middlesex her introduction into the Dental Lab Tech field, MCC provided her with the practical and hands-on experiences to “prepare for the real world.”

“I would not be where I am today without the education I received at MCC,” Rogers said. “The career path has allowed me to work alongside skilled prosthodontists as a valuable team member. In-office technicians is becoming more desirable for doctors and is a great opportunity for career advancement.”

In addition to Dental Lab Tech, MCC offers two other health programs that can be completed in less than a year. While Dental Lab Tech and Dental Assisting begin on Tuesday, September 6, students can register for Medical Assisting for a Monday, October 3 start!

“The demand for skilled lab technicians is very high,” Rogers said. “Doctors are looking for the support from an educated lab tech. Many are retiring and there are not enough new skilled technicians to replace them.”