ABOUT DTA
The Dental Technologists Association (DTA) is the professional body and membership association for dental technologists in the UK and we are committed to keeping members in touch with what is going in dental technology and the wider dental arena as well as facilitating our members with the tools they need to stay educated and compliant.
Our members are UK based dental technologists who are a mix of laboratory owners, laboratory managers, clinical dental technicians and in-house technicians from commercial and NHS laboratories. We support students throughout their education; newly qualified individuals taking their next steps starting their career; and experienced professionals with lifelong learning.
Our Vision
To advance standards within dental technology for the benefit of the oral healthcare of the nation by:
- Providing advice guidance and support to members
- Raising awareness and promoting an exchange of views on key issues affecting the dental profession.
KEY OBJECTIVES
- Develop and support members, and the dental technology profession.
- Encourage and promote education, including CPD.
- Forge links with other organisations.
- Promote views to relevant external organisations.
- Adopt and share best practice.
- Provide benefits and employment opportunities. Develop and maintain roles and responsibilities.
WHAT WE DO
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF DENTAL TECHNOLOGY
interested in getting involved in your association?
The DTA are on the lookout for new faces with new ideas to join the management team. If you are a member of the association, either as a qualified dental technologist or currently in training and you have a passion for dental technology, we would like to hear from you.
Observers are welcome to join the next management team via video conference on Saturday 24 October to meet the team, contribute to the meeting and learn more about what we do.
If you can coordinate a budget and would like to help grow the organisation, we currently have a vacancy for DTA Treasurer.
A PROUD HERITAGE
In 1984 the General Dental Council took the bold step to establish the Dental Technicians Education & Training Advisory (DTETAB) with a remit to review and make recommendations about the education and training of dental technicians, the suitability of that training and how it fitted with the demands of providing dental services at that time. A major part of the role of DTETAB was maintaining the Voluntary Register of Dental Technicians, the forerunner of the statutory register.
The inaugural meeting of the Board took place in January 1986 and was chaired by Margaret Seward (later Dame Margaret Seward). The GDC was clear that its active involvement would be for three years only.
In 1989 DTETAB became an independent body, with responsibility for running and financing the organisation. Strong leadership from Colin Lee, a dental technician and laboratory owner from north west England secured the Board's future. The DTA management team has been supported by Ray Cox (1989 - 1992), Sue Adams (1992 - 2019) and the current incumbent is Rebecca Kinahan.
DTETAB was renamed as the Dental Technicians Association in 2002, in readiness for a slightly different role post statutory registration. Since 2012 the organisation has been known as the Dental Technologists Association.
DTA CHAIRS AND PRESIDENTS
With thanks to previous DTA Chairs and Presidents for their strong leadership and dedication.
| 2022 | Delroy Reeves | President |
| 2020 | Barry Tivey | President |
| 2018 | Delroy Reeves | President |
| 2016 | James Green | President |
| 2014 | Mike McGlynn | President |
| 2012 | Barry Appleby | President |
| 2010 | John Stacey | President |
| 2009 | Steve Wears | President |
| 2007 | Paul Mallett | President |
| 2005 | Tony Griffin MBE | President |
| 2004 | Ian MacLeod MBE | President |
| 1998 | Tony Griffin MBE | Chair/President |
| 1996 | Ian MacLeod MBE | Chair |
| 1994 | Brian Gordon | Chair |
| 1993 | Terry Foad | Chair |
| 1989 | Colin Lee MBE | Chair |