Abstract

Aims This survey aimed to determine the clinical activity of clinical dental technicians (CDTs) in the UK and to establish their employment status, views of statutory registration and need for further education. Until 2006, this practise was illegal in the UK.

Materials and methods A postal questionnaire was sent to 128 members of the Clinical Dental Technicians' Association (CDTA) who had agreed to participate in this study. Analysis was conducted using standard non-parametric statistical tests and quantitative techniques.

Results A response rate of 54% was achieved. Qualifications in clinical dental technology from George Brown College, Toronto, Canada were held by 68%, with 16% currently undergoing training and 16% neither qualified nor in training. The majority (90%) owned a laboratory with 61% stating they had between one and four dental surgeries on site. CDTs with Canadian qualifications tended to provide a wider range of procedures, coupled with patient lists and recall systems, compared to those not so qualified. Eighty-one percent welcomed the prospect of statutory registration with 82% indicating that it would enhance their professional profile.

Conclusions This small but significant survey gives some insight of the work which has been undertaken by CDTs for many years, albeit illegally. With appropriate training and education, and consequent GDC registration, CDTs will be in a position to make a positive contribution to the clinical care of patients.

1. Senior Lecturer, The University of Edinburgh, 4th Floor, Lauriston Building, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA
2. Professor of Dental Primary Care & Director, The University of Edinburgh, 4th Floor, Lauriston Building, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA
3. Senior Researcher, Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 4th Floor, Lauriston Building, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA

Correspondence to: M. K. Ross¹ e-mail: margaret.k.ross@ed.ac.uk