Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

'What are the pay scales for dental technicians?'

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'Where is my nearest college?'

Simply click here to check your nearest college

'Is there funding to help Dental Technician training?'

The answer in general is there is no funding.  The short term Department of Health bursaries achieved by the DTA in cooperation with employers in England concluded in November 2008, when funds for such was transferred in England to the individual Strategic Health Authorities

The government is wanting to make employers either take up either Train to Gain (Train- 2 -Gain) or Apprenticeship type of training.  This is where the employer has qualified A1 assessors in the workplace, trains to national standards in the workplace and the trainee is working to achieve in the workplace a Level 2 or 3 NVQ’s.  No such qualification exists currently for dental technician trainees.  Also current such a qualification is not recognised by the GDC for registration.  The NVQ route could be used to train Laboratory Assistants as offered to Science companies but the take up is quite small.  Dental Nurses do train to level 3 NVQ and use the work based assessor route.

Some local Medical and Dental Deaneries and now since January 2008 the Strategic Health Authorities (SHA) should in England support training in their area, also the Local Education Authority might provide guidance and support.  The Local Skills Council (LSC) should be contacted as they have a wide range of information and support education and training for employers. But all areas of England are different in their focus for funding education for the NHS, and the DLA might know of systems for employers that can help gain training grants. The course must also lead to registration with the GDC so it must be accredited by the GDC. 

All education providers obtain payment for individuals enrolling (enrolment fee) , attending and achieving and this is the only income they receive (from e.g. Local Skills Council (LSC) )  to be able to run the courses for employers.  Education providers are a businesses, but the Medical and Dental deaneries need to ensure with the SHA that sufficient workforce is in training.

There are likely to be local or national contacts and DTA has a list of some practical links to the Deaneries, providers and contacts etc.

'When will registration become statutory?'

It has been confirmed that the statutory register will open on 31 July 2006.  For a registration form please email the General Dental Council – dcpapplicationform@gdc-uk.org or telephone 0207 887 3800.

'Can I join and become registered without formal qualifications?'

Yes, as long as you can prove that you have been working as a dental technician for 7 years or more. This proof can be provided in the form of a reference from either registered dental technicians or registered dentists.

'Is there a website where I can get information on basic studies in Dental Technology(NC). I've just applied and have been accepted to join a class in 2008 but I just want to have an idea of what I will be studying so I may be a step ahead. Thank you for any help you maybe able to offer me.'

There are many websites that provide information relative to dental technology - try DTA's own website for book lists (a recent addidtion) provided by the Conference of Dental Technology Educational Institues (CoDTEI). Unfortunately, we are not aware at present of any training and development web sites that are generally open to the public where a prospective student can gain information. Although a search engine may find a few basic support sections, try Dental Casts or Dental Articulators in a search engine. We would suggest that a basic dental technology book such as that by Osborne and Lammie might prove useful. Some of these are available on the internet and from book shops. If you are working in a dental laboratory now, you will be able to have access to their own store of resource dental books which will be useful. Try www.amazon.com for books.

'I have a friend who is training to be a dental technician in a small dental workshop. I am concerned about the risk of dermatitis and I suspect that health and safety precautions are somewhat primitive. For example no barrier creams are provided.   I would be grateful if you could advise on the types of barrier creams which are most suitable for application in a dental workshop and possible suppliers'

The use and need of barriers creams for working in a dental technology environment is not a frequently asked topic. The instance of dermatitis in the dental laboratory it appears may relate to a reaction to a) Plaster of Paris (supplied in a powder form and mixed with water to form casts), b) Modelling waxes (often based on paraffin wax with beeswax), c) Acrylic resins (especially the monomer) or maybe, d) linked to constant washing of the hands (detergents and soaps). Other dermatitis type reactions may occur regarding contact with even small amounts of what might normally be regarded as inert materials. We recommend that Occupational Health specialist advice be sought. Various commercial barrier creams are sold and recommended by professional advisors, and may be useful to the individual but we are unable to recommend Pharmaceutical products.

'Are dental laboratories operating within guidelines if they offer orthodontic appliances supplied on laboratory models for educational, teaching purposes, ie. non treatment?'

1. It is the individual that is responsible under the Dentist Act, and the amendments under the 19th July 2005 Section 60 order, not the dental laboratory.
2. Our current understanding is that demonstration cases do not require to be manufactured within the MRHA requirements (ie by prescription) but should follow conventional manufacturing design practice and apply current knowledge.

'Are laboratories operating within guidelines by offering the general public impression material to be sent back to the laboratory for fabrication of custom gimmick retainers, night guards, bleaching trays, etc.'

1. It is the individual that is responsible under the Dentist Act, and the amendments under the 19 th July 2005 Section 60 order, not the dental laboratory.
2. It would appear that the individual who is providing a service by such method is doing so knowing the current Dentists Act and therefore would need to be appropriately qualified.
3. The patients care could be compromised as no oral examination might be carried out by a prescribing person who is suitably qualified.
4. Our understanding is that this activity is likely to require specialist qualifications above basic registration, which DTA is attempting to secure for its members.

'Do I have to pay the GDC registration and my professional body membership?'

We are often asked do I need pay the GDC for statutory registration and DTA for professional support.  The answer is YES.  All the new professions have to formally register with their designated professional body and in our case that will be the General Dental Council (GDC).  For support and to help you make best use of lobbying power access to a professionally recognised body is we believe absolutely essential. The DTA has worked tirelessly to make sure that dental technicians and therefore yourself gain the recognition for your high level of skills and continual updating by firstly being in the groups that the GDC want to register to protect the public. Thus it is recognised that you add to the healthcare of the country.  The DTA elected officers give of their time and effort for FREE, as they are only paid their out of pocket expenses such as travel costs. But DTA needs your support to allow them to continue their important role.

At a little over ONE POUND a week you are getting a first class professional support service that can assist you via the web pages, negotiation of higher wages with employers, campaign for more opportunities and better conditions, telephone contact with a real person and many extra support services.  Do not devalue yourself or your skills – join us.

'Complaints by Trainees about educational providers provision'

Trainees wishing to complain against particular Academic institutions should refer to the particular guides provide d by the institution to all trainees. The individual’s grievance or complaint must be taken up in accordance with the procedure indicated. We would recommend that the first step would be to talk with your tutor and discuss all point in detail making sure that you have a written record which you both agree to.

'Does the GDC take any notice of its consultation processes?'

We are of the opinion that the GDC takes seriously its statutory role regarding consultation. It is therefore essential that individuals indicate their own specific objections or agreements with the particular item under discussion. They GDC have particularly raised issues which they are wanting individuals to have a say. Therefore if a consensus view is submitted they will naturally take note of this. Where we might have concern is where a particular consultation change is proposed then this is reversed in Council.

'I've lost my City and Guilds Final certificate BUT I have got my name on the DTA voluntary register'

In this case you have two general possible routes either:

a) Contact City and Guilds directly on 0207 294 2468 and ask to speak to the person who deals with replacement certificates. Your will need to supply as much accurate information as possible e.g. your name as on the certificate, date of birth, your number, the date you took the examination and whether it is the Intermediate or Final Certificate you are asking for replacement off. There is a fixed fee charge for this service and it is only available via City and Guilds.

b) Your name on the voluntary registration with DTETAB which is now the Dental Technologist Association (DTA) does mean that as a current valid paid up member you can use this route without the need to supply your original certificates. That makes the registration process easier but you might still want to prove your academic qualification.

I've lost my BTEC (now called Edexcel) certificate - what do I do?

If you've lost your BTEC certificate they can usually be replaced (depending on age) with a new certificate by contacting Past Records at Edexcel.

The certificate will be printed in the current BTEC format so may not look like older certificates. You may receive a Letter for Confirmation rather than a new certificate. The certificate will have REPLACEMENT printed in the bottom left hand corner.

The current 2006-2007 cost is £30 and it is helpful to provide details of where you trained.

Contact details:
Phone 020 7424 1744
Fax 020 7424 1760
e-mail: pastrecords@edexcel.org.uk

The form can be downloaded from www.edexcel.org.uk

FAQs relating to The Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC)

'Can a qualified dental technician sign off finished appliances as fit to be placed on the market?'

Dental technicians can sign off finished appliances as fit to be placed on the UK market as long as they comply with the requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations as they apply to custom-made devices. This includes making a statement that accompanies the individual device which confirms that it conforms to the essential requirements specified in Annex I of the Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC which are implemented into UK law by the Regulations.

'When manufacturing appliances to a dentist's prescription, who takes responsibility for placing the appliance on the market? Is it the dental laboratory or the dentist?'

The regulations relate to the first placing on the Community market so it is the dental laboratory's responsibility as the manufacturer of the custom-made device.

'Can a registered and qualified dental technician, by virtue of their qualification, manufacture appliances to their own prescription and place them on the market?'

No. Custom made devices are defined in Regulation 5 of the MD Regulations as being manufactured in accordance with a prescription of a duly qualified medical practitioner or professional user. As dental technicians are not currently permitted to undertake the practice of dentistry as defined in Part IV of the Dentists Act 1984 they may not prescribe, fit, insert or fix appliances , it would be a breach of the that Act and the Medical Devices Regulations to place a custom made device on the market without a prescription from a dentist.

'If a product is manufactured by a non-MDA registered laboratory and
then supplied to a MDA registered laboratory who supplies the industry;
would this appliance conform?'

Placing on the market is defined in the Regulations as the first making available in return for payment or free of charge of a new device, with a view to distribution, use or both on the Community market. In this instance the device is not being placed on the market when it is supplied by the first laboratory and they would be considered to be a sub-contractor to the
second laboratory. The second laboratory would be responsible for ensuring compliance compliance with the regulations because they are placing the device on the market in their own name. The definition of a manufacturer in the regulations is the person responsible for placing the device on the market in their own name regardless of whether they actually make the
device themselves.

'What are the penalties for non-compliance? Who enforces them?'

MHRA as we are now called are the Competent Authority responsible for enforcing the Regulations in the UK. Manufacturers are normally given the opportunity to correct breaches of the regulations voluntarily but if this proves not possible or there is an immediate threat to public safety we have the power under the Consumer Protection Act to remove devices from the market and prosecute errant manufacturers. Penalties imposed on prosecution can be a fine of up to £5000 per offence or six months imprisonment.

Hope this provides the answers you need. You might also find it helpful to look at the Guidance Note (No.10) we have published for manufacturers of dental appliances. This is available in the regulatory publications section of our website www.medical-devices.gov.uk.

We are of course willing to give any help and advice we can. However any views given by us on the interpretation of the Regulations represent our best judgement at the time based on the information available. It is not, however, meant to be a definitive statement of law that can only be given by the courts. Accordingly we would always advise you to seek the views of your own professional advisers.

David Batten,
MDD Compliance Manager,
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatrory Agency,
Department of Health

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