Sir, in March I asked the Care Quality Commission (CQC) what their programme for inspection of clinical dental technicians (CDTs) who work independently is. After a long and convoluted correspondence I have learnt that CDTs do not fall within CQC's remit.

The principal reason for this is that CDTs are not listed within the Health and Social Care Act 2008. A second issue could arise in future because care workers only need to register if they are considered to conduct treatment of disease, disorder or injury (TDDI) as defined in Schedule 1 of the Regulated Activities Regulations. Basically this means invasive procedures. Interestingly, dental technicians are listed under the Act but if they conducted TDDI they would be acting illegally.

I understand that CQC have pressed the Department of Health to deal with these anomalies, but even then, unless the work of CDTs is deemed sufficiently invasive for them to register and then be liable for inspection they will continue not to be inspected. Arguably this is not in the interest of patients, CDTs or our profession as CDTs are becoming a respected arm of the dental profession.1

Clearly the Government needs to address this issue urgently.