With the rapid growth in demand for cosmetic dentistry, there is a shortage in many cities of dental ceramists. Dental ceramists can earn good money for their work. Whereas a typical dental lab technician in Los Angles will make less than $30,000 in their first year of work, the dental ceramists will earn between $55,000 to $70,000. After five years of work they can earn over $100,000 annually.

Dental ceramists are trained to create the highest-quality crowns, bridges, and tooth facings. They work more with porcelain than with acrylics or resin.

The UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry offers a two year training program for dental ceramists. Graduates are considered Master Dental Ceramists. The total cost of tuition for the two years is about $7,000.