The first set of student clinical dental technicians have passed the exams set by the Faculty of General Dental Practice at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and are now in the process of registration as the first Clinical Dental Technicians/Denturists in the UK. The remainder of students take their final exams this month.

The UK qualifications are only open at present to graduates of George Brown College in Canada who have passed the two and a half year long academic and clinical programme. The Clinical Dental Technicians Association is currently progressing towards the building of a £2.5 million facility in Hertfordshire to undertake clinical dental technician training wholly within the UK. The shell is under construction and a major announcement is expected later this year.

The project will have ten fully serviced dental units, a 25 place dental laboratory, lecture theatres, audio visual and internet distance learning, accommodation and restaurant facilities. There will also be radiography units and a central sterile department as well as patient reception areas and offices. The centre will be available for all members of the dental team for training and continuing professional development as well as providing dental services to the local Primary Care Trust and patients.