Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
'What are the pay scales for dental technicians?'
You can check the current rates of pay by clicking here now (requires member login)
'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?'
- 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.
- 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.'
- 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.
- 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.
- The patients care could be compromised as no oral examination might be carried out by a prescribing person who is suitably qualified.
- 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.
Details of charges are available from BTEC.
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
'Where can I search for the regulations and permits required for starting a dental laboratory'
1) In considering setting up a dental laboratory we would recommend that you carry out a wide and comprehensive search of local and national requirements. For example, some buildings/properties may have covenants on them restricting their use as businesses by times or type of work. Better to check via your own legal team than be disappointed at the point of start up!
2) Various sources provide instant starter check lists and the Dental Laboratories Association is an obvious start. Their remit is the professional body for dental laboratory owners in the United Kingdom. www.dla.org.uk
3) Here also is an interesting and useful link for starters e.g. https://www.alliance-leicestercommercialbank.co.uk/bizguides/full/dentalab/parkes-legal_matters.asp
4) Business link are supporting of business and as an example please note the attached extract which will give you detail. http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
5) As a formal registered business do not forget to tell all your suppliers, customers. Post Office, organisation and Medical Devices Directive, also the GDC your new laboratory address. They all need updating and how many others can you logically consider telling about your move – there will always be someone that you use only occasionally than needs to know!
6) Waste disposal is an essential that needs consideration before any planned move. Waste must be disposed of in accordance with government and local environmental control regulations. http://www.defra.gov.uk
7) Special business activities that you carry out need individual and detailed consideration e.g. offering additional services directly to patients needs to fully meet the consumer and H&S requirements, and also the legal requirements of the trading office. Clarify such activities as you could be stepping beyond your own and employees scope of practice. www. gdc-uk.org
8) There are specialist consultants who can guide and support your business development. We can supply contact details, noting that such consultants will undertake work only on payment for contract basis.
9) If you are in any doubt about your legal obligations, you should take advice from your business adviser or solicitor.
10) Please inform us if this information needs adding to or updating. Thank you.
'Why are home address details being accessed from the GDC register?'
1) The General Dental Council register is open to the public to view on the web, and thus is accessible to all. You may therefore get letters to your registered address from businesses etc. Individuals can personally write to such users (i.e. businesses) and request that your own details are removed from any such private data bases (ref Data Protection).
2) The GDC database of registrants can be purchased by individuals and companies. It is open for view for public scrutiny and for tracing registrants etc.
3) Individuals often use their work address as their GDC registered address. You can personally amend your own registered address by formally writing to the GDC to have your current work address as your registered address.
4) Letters sent to your registered address via using your GDC registration details: Since the register is in the public domain we would believe that it is highly unlikely that the GDC would regard personal letters sent to a registrants stated address as inappropriate. It is also difficult to prove that your details were sourced from only the GDC register.
5) All GDC registrants are bound by ethical guidance and this can include written communication to others. Contravening the GDC’s ethical guidance can mean that the GDC could look into specific violations.
'Who should pay for my Continuous Professional Development?'
The overriding answer is that it is your responsibility to complete the necessary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and report an outline of this to the General Dental Council annually. In the UK, after registering with the GDC, all Dental Care Professionals (DCP’s) have the responsibility for continuing their professional education. It is the registrant’s responsibility to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. This is a mandatory requirement for all on the GDC Register. Failure to record your CPD may result in your name being removed from the General Dental Council's DCP Register. The DTA see the opportunity of linking professional development by an individual's own ‘Development plan’ to their own CPD, as a means of improving career opportunities and earning potential.
It is also important to remember to continue your CPD if you have a career break. Even if you take your name off the Register, you will need to show evidence of compliance with CPD if you apply to have your name restored to the Register.
Some individuals may find that their employer encourages them to attend specific courses and also pay for these but it is the individual who is responsible for their own CPD. For this reason DTA has over the past three years been proactive in providing learning opportunities for its members. Currently the Dental Technologist Association (DTA) members magazine (the technologist) provides access to online CPD questions and recordings. We are also request that members contact us with their own suggestions for future activities or articles in support of CPD.
The Dental Deaneries also provide CPD for those registered professionals. This might be worth investigating in your own local area (see contacts details via the DTA members area on our web site)
How are trainee pay rates determined?
The DTA has continually worked with the DLA (employers) in order to establish a broad agreement regarding pay for trainees and also for qualified Dental Technicians. The DTA has no authority to act on behalf of individual students, as your employment is a private contract between yourself and your employer. It is essential that you discuss the current and planned progress of your career with the employer and gain written statements as to pay and holidays etc. The actual weekly pay a trainee receives (less National Insurance and TAX) will be determined by the individual employer using a number of factors, some of these might include:
a) Guidance from the current pay scales i.e. those agreed with an employers organisation (DLA) are used as a guide i.e. employed for 3 years might equal point 3 on the pay scale – but may be added e.g. factors discussed and agreed at initial entry to employment
b) Age and capability of the individual i.e. how much is the individual contributing to the success of the business?
c) Level of responsibility i.e. is the person essential to the business activity and development?
d) Economic state of the employing business i.e. boom or bust levels of business activity
e) The level of specific checking and reworking of devices required by the nominated and responsible GDC registered Dental technician
f) The requirements of the National Minimum Wages for different age groups
g) That trainees rates are often are said to reflect that the person is only in the workplace for 4 days a week. This argument DTA does not support.
The above factors all play a part in determining an individual's remuneration in the private small laboratory employment situation.
What does the GDC allow laboratory assistant to do within the Dental Acts.
It was a great disappointment to the DTA that under the new legislation and after years of work to gain statutory regulation of the whole dental team, that laboratory assistants were in the end not to be regulated. Your Dental Technician ethical requirements are briefly set out in Standards for Dental Professionals (SfDP).
Our current understanding in summary is that:
a) Only those registered with the GDC can use the term Dental Technicians, Dental Technologist or similar names that mean really a dental technician.
b) That only GDC registered dental technicians (by this or other names) can under the MHRA (DDA) regulations accept work into the dental laboratory. (SfDP, Be trustworthy – 6.2)
c) That only a dental technician can quality assure the final product of custom made dental devices and sign off to be placed on the market i.e. fitted by a dentist or clinical dental technician etc (SfDP 5.1)
d) That the registered dental technician is the person who must make sure that they are indemnified (SfDP 1.6) and they are personally held accountable for that work within the dental laboratory that they have accepted in and Quality Assure out (SfDP 5.2)
e) That GDC registered individuals are bound by the ethical requirements of their professional regulation as stated in Standards for Dental Professionals, e.g. SfDP ‘The Principles of Practice of Dentistry’ (1) Putting patients’ interests first and acting to protect them.
f) Any person that a laboratory manager employs or dental technician works with who is not registered (i.e. process worker), it would apprear, becomes the sole responsibility of the regulated person (dental technician) and that regulated person takes responsibility for the non regulated person's actions and the consequences thereof. NB: DTA highly recommend that Dental technicians contact the GDC directly to gain clarification regarding their own particular work based circumstances so that an individual registrant's own registration is not being put at risk inadvertently. (GDC web contact: www.gdc-uk.org)
g) The GDC registrant is therefore liable for the management of the unregulated person and for ensuring that they personally do not infringe the legal and ethical requirements in working with and employing others.
What are employers likely to want to see at an interview and prior to employment as a 'Dental Technician'?
Here we provide some examples you may need to consider as well as other items important to yourself?
a) Proof that you are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) i.e. your registration number, as only such individuals can use the term Dental Technician, Dental Technologist or similar as used in describing someone who does this work.
b) Evidence of your ongoing Continual Professional Development portfolio covering the aspects as indicated in the GDC documents.
c) You may also have your own Professional Indemnity Insurance, as you must be insured at work in case of patient claims and for past years.
d) Proof of your right to work in the UK, and any police actions e.g. Police Cautions, these will have been sent to the GDC automatically.
e) Current example of your health status e.g. Hepatitis B inoculated if you want to attend in the clinic.
f) Personal reference from your previous employer.
g) Examples of your own work standard, but expect to have to carry out a trade test at the bench for a production job.
h) National Insurance card and other work based documentation as supplied by your previous employer or the government.
i) Items that are covered in the Ethical Guidance of Standards for Dental Professionals (SfDP) e.g. (4) Co-operating with other members of the dental team and other healthcare colleagues in the interests of patients.
I am starting my own business dealing with mouth guards. My question is can I go and take an impression of people mouths if I know how but am not certified? I would mainly be dealing with alginate .
Taking Impressions: Under the newly developed GDC’s ‘Scope of Practice’ (#) document a dental technician is now allowed to take impressions if they have been appropriately trained, certified, carry appropriate indemnity insurance and work in a professional manner. As a professional registrant of the GDC you need to fully comply with their rules and regulations, and we can only here point to some of the areas that you should take account off;
a) Have current Indemnity insurance, extended to specifically cover the activity you propose if it is beyond normal dental technician activity, and be for the amount of compensation required as set by the GDC. Clarify this with your insurer and keep the written evidence. Claims from others can be costly to defend in fitness to practice cases.
b) Be aware that all GDC registrants must be trained in dealing with Medical Emergencies.
c) Take care that extending your scope of practice is by evidence of certified courses of training in e.g. impression taking, and that is essential prior to any extended activity taking place with patients.
d) Note that the GDC’s ‘Scope of Practice’ does not allow individuals from one registrant group to transfer into another groups work. For dental technicians the rules would appear to be that extending your own Scope of Practice is generally about extending your own potential working within the clinic with other clinical team members present. Not separate working.
e) Independent working i.e. taking impressions on your own in clinics does not appear to be suggested in the GDC’s Scope of Practice (# see page 9).
f) Be Inoculated against blood borne viruses and be personally healthy if you are working in the clinic with patients.
g) Follow appropriate infection control procedures for the safety of all.
h) Work within your own areas of role and competence.
i) Continue to update your skills via planned CPD and ensure that your professional work is appropriate and safe for all.
Can I extend my role?
The GDC document – Scope of Practice – will help here. It was published in January 2009 and states, on page 2 that “…it is a way of describing what you are trained and competent to do”. The booklet goes on to explain that “Your scope of practice is likely to change over the course of your career” (page 3). Whilst it also indicates those duties which are reserved for the different registrant groups, e.g. on page 9 there is a list of dental technician duties. Our understanding is that you cannot, by further training, pick up selected duties that are reserved for other particular groups e.g. ‘carry out oral surgery’. The dental technician’s ‘Additional Skills’ were presented to the GDC working group via the DTA representatives and at the time were thought to be the logical. DTA would expect that individuals must realise that in extending their own scope of practice within dentistry, that they must work appropriately with all in the dental team, hold their own current personal indemnity to cover their work, be inoculated as required for clinical dental team members, have own evidence of advancement in own knowledge and skills, have a current and up to date CPD log showing appropriate dental personal development, gain consent from those they are working with and “do not work independently in the clinic” page 9.
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