牙體技術師的專業發展：教育、考試與執業環境的現況分析與未來

Abstract

本研究旨在探討牙體技術師在數位化浪潮與醫療專業化趨勢下的專業發展現況與未來挑戰，從教育、考試、執業環境及數位臨床應用四大面向進行全面性剖析。隨著牙體技術師從過去以傳統手工藝為主的技工角色，逐步轉變為需具備專業知識、臨床判斷與跨領域能力的醫事人員，其養成機制與職業環境亟需因應新時代需求進行革新。 在教育層面，透過比較傳統雕刻教學與結合電腦輔助設計與製造(CAD/CAM)、三維(3D)模型與虛擬實境(Virtual Reality, VR)導入的數位課程，研究證實數位化教學課程有助於提升學生的學習成效、術科表現及課程滿意度，並能有效彌補傳統教學在理解複雜牙體形態上的限制。在考試制度方面，本研究比較亞洲五國（臺灣、日本、韓國、菲律賓與中國）之牙體技術師國家考試制度與實務需求的契合度，發現我國現行考試對數位技能與臨床應用涵蓋不足，極需進行內容與評量方式之改革，以提升專業素養與考試的實務對應性。 在職場環境的部分，透過空氣品質監測分析15間牙體技術所內不同工作區域之空氣中污染物濃度（含細懸浮微粒、總揮發性有機物質、甲醛與二氧化碳），發現模型準備區與CAD/CAM加工區易產生高濃度懸浮微粒與甲醛等污染，顯示數位設備雖提升效率，但若缺乏配套的環境安全設施，將對技術人員健康構成潛在威脅。 此外，為讓牙體技術師在數位應用方面有更充份之臨床實證，開發一款應用CAD/CAM與鎳鈦超合金之止鼾裝置，透過3D列印與有限元素分析驗證其結構穩定性與配戴舒適性，並進行小規模臨床試戴與問卷調查。結果顯示該裝置具良好患者接受度與治療潛力，顯示牙體技術師具備進行臨床器材研發與跨領域合作的能力與機會。 本研究不僅提供實證數據驗證教育與執業環境的改革方向，也透過實務應用展示牙體技術師在數位醫療轉型中的不可或缺的一環。期盼研究成果能促進牙體技術教育之現代化、提升國家考照制度與職場安全規範，並為牙體技術師在數位醫療生態中的角色定位與發展策略提供具體參考。

This doctoral research presents a comprehensive analysis of the professional development of dental technicians in response to the growing demands of digital transformation and healthcare professionalization. It focuses on four major dimensions: education, national licensure examinations, occupational environment, and interdisciplinary clinical application. With the enactment of the Dental Technicians Law in Taiwan and the recognition of dental technicians as healthcare professionals, the expectations for their training, certification, and working standards have drastically increased. In the educational domain, this study compares traditional manual-based instruction with curricula enhanced by digital tools, including Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), 3D modeling, and virtual reality(VR). The results demonstrate that digital courses significantly improve students' academic performance, technical skills, and overall learning satisfaction. These findings underscore the importance of modernizing dental technician education to bridge the gap between conventional practices and industry demands. From the certification perspective, the study conducts a cross-national comparison of licensure systems in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, and China. The results reveal a misalignment between current examination structures and the actual needs of clinical practice, particularly in the areas of digital competence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and medical ethics. The study proposes concrete reforms to align national licensure assessments with evolving professional standards. The occupational safety section evaluates the air quality in 15 dental laboratories across Taiwan, measuring pollutants such as PM2.5, total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), formaldehyde (HCHO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) across various operational zones. Findings indicate that digital manufacturing zones and model preparation areas often exceed safety thresholds for airborne pollutants, highlighting the urgent need for updated safety regulations and ventilation solutions to protect technician health. Finally, the study applies digital manufacturing methods to designing and developing a novel anti-snoring oral appliance, using CAD/CAM systems and nickel-titanium alloy for enhanced durability and comfort. Finite element analysis (FEA) and clinical trial feedback confirm its feasibility and therapeutic potential for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. This interdisciplinary case study exemplifies the expanding role of dental technicians in medical device innovation. In conclusion, the research provides empirical evidence and strategic recommendations to support the sustainable professional growth of dental technicians. It calls for systemic upgrades in educational programs, certification systems, workplace safety, and interdisciplinary innovation, aiming to solidify the technician's role as a key contributor in the digital and precision dentistry era.