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Addressing the Recruitment Crisis in Dental Technology

By DTA | 23rd September 2024 | News

We are deeply concerned about the ongoing recruitment challenges faced by dental laboratories in Northern Ireland and across the UK. As highlighted by the Managing Director of McDowell & Service Dental Laboratory LTD, there has been a persistent struggle to recruit appropriately trained and qualified dental technicians in the region. The demand from dental labs has significantly outpaced the number of graduates entering the field.

Many full-time BTEC graduates who have secured employment in dental labs often find it challenging to adapt to the functional and efficient demands of a commercial environment. This has led to a high turnover rate, with many graduates leaving the trade altogether.

We strongly advocate for the day release/apprentice arrangement as the most effective training and recruitment scenario. This approach involves employing a trainee full-time while allowing them to attend college for theoretical education one day a week. This model has proven successful for McDowell & Service, which recently employed a trainee full-time and enrolled them in a part-time Foundation Degree in Dental Technology at Cardiff University.

However, we acknowledge the financial burden this places on dental laboratories, including costs for travel and accommodation when trainees must attend college in person. Despite these challenges, we believe that investing in training at all stages of a dental technician's career is crucial for the future of dental technology.

We call on dental laboratory owners to invest in the development of their team members, especially trainees, to ensure they gain valuable qualifications and hands-on experience. This investment is essential for maintaining a skilled workforce and advancing the field of dental technology.

For more information, please contact: Dental Technologists Association (DTA) office@dta-uk.org

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