title: Current status, crisis and trends in Chinese dental technicians.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chinese dental technicians play a significant role in the globalised market of dental prosthesis fabrication, but this subject has not been investigated in detail. The demand for dental prostheses increases as individuals pay increasing attention to their oral health. Therefore, it is important to investigate the status of Chinese dental technicians.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the current status of Chinese dental technicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dental technicians' resumés, which reveal information regarding dental technician manpower, degrees, working age and salary, etc., were analysed and compared with those abroad. We also estimated the future demands of dental technician manpower, and discussed some potential solutions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There are fewer dental technicians in China than in other developed countries; they are also of a lower standard. Male technicians outnumber females. The education level of technicians is insufficient, and the education programme is still in its exploratory stage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The development of dental technician teams in China represents both an opportunity and a challenge. It is important to move forward from the current situation to yield long-term development. This article provides information on the Chinese dental technology industry, identifies the problems and offers solutions for its development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Technology, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Renmin South Road, Chengdu, China.
authors.forename: Ma
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chaoyi
authors.forename: Zheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liwei
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zhou
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Min
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Haiyang
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002681:China; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards; D003800:Dental Technicians / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007586:Job Application; D008297:Male; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D012737:Sex Factors; D013192:Staff Development