Research abstract
British Dental Journal 199, 97 - 101 (2005)
Published online: 23 July 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812524
Educational needs and employment status of Scottish dental technicians
- The education and training system for dental technicians in Scotland currently lacks resource and structure.
- The advent of mandatory CPD following registration will be difficult for many people in Scotland to access because of geographical location.
- The shortage of funding for CPD poses a problem for dental technicians.
- Rates of remuneration are inadequate and unlikely to encourage people in to the profession in the future.
Abstract
Objective To investigate the educational needs and employment status of dental technicians in Scotland.
Subjects Two hundred and fifty dental technicians with postal addresses in Scotland.
Design Structured questionnaire.
Results An 83% response rate was achieved following three mailings. The majority of respondents were employed in commercial dental laboratories largely within the 'central belt' of Scotland, with 96% stating they were in full-time employment. Only 33% of these essential health-care workers were voluntarily registered with the Dental Technicians' Association, suggesting that a significant number had not felt it necessary or beneficial to do so. A lack of educational structure was identified, as was poor remuneration and an absence of opportunity for career progression. Although the prospect of continuing professional development was desirable, many respondents reported that they would be penalised financially for undertaking this and, in addition, may not be given the opportunity to pursue education because of lack of co-operation from their employer. Only 47% had attended an educational event within the preceding year, and of those who had not done this, a period of two-32 years had elapsed since any CPD involvement. Of the respondents, only 34% stated that any financial assistance had been available for educational purposes, with access to education being highlighted as problematic by 68%. A total of 64% of subjects felt they were out-of-date with professional education.
Conclusions This study highlights a number of real and potential problems in the field of education in dental technology. It is apparent that change within the structure of education and professional status, although largely welcomed, may be difficult to implement. The profession, as a whole, must realise that these changes in education and employment are not optional, and should be embraced as a positive step which will hopefully raise the profile and status of dental technicians throughout the UK.
- Senior Lecturer, Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute
- Professor of Primary Dental Care and Director, Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute
Correspondence to: M K Ross1
Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute, The University of Edinburgh University Postgraduate Dental, 4th Floor, Lauriston Building, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9HA
Email: e-mail: Margaret.K.Ross@ed.ac.uk