A professional who makes and repairs contoured wire frames and retainers for teeth used in partial dentures, using power tools and handtools. Responsibilities include:

• Examines model of oral impression and reads dentist's prescription to determine design of wire frame.
• Marks pencil tracings on surface of model to indicate position of wire clasps, using surveyor. Cuts wire to specified lengths, using wirecutter.
• Bends and shapes wire around tooth impressions or along base of model, using pliers, knife, and tweezers.
• Applies investment to wire sections and model to hold sections in alignment, using spatula.
• Welds or solders wire joints, using special welding and soldering tools.
• Removes investment.
• Grinds and polishes wire frame to lustrous finish, using electric grinding and polishing wheel.
• Reworks or replaces wire sections and missing teeth to repair partial dentures, using acrylic bonding agent.
• Fabricates wire retainers to straighten teeth, using pliers, tweezers, and similar handtools.
• Inspects work for adherence to dentist's specifications.