Dental Technologists Association (DTA) Expresses Concern Over Aberdeen DT Programme Under Threat

The Dental Technologists Association (DTA) has expressed its concern following a suggestion that the University of Aberdeen is considering suspending student intake for the Diploma in Dental Technology (DT) programme for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The DTA acknowledges that it is the University's decision is based on its economic planning. It is suggested that the University has taken careful consideration of the programme's sustainability due to low student numbers and applications. Although the DTA has asked whether enough liaison has occurred with the industry to raise concerns about cohort numbers.

The DTA is particularly worried about the impact that any such suspension may have on the future of dental technology education and the availability of qualified dental technicians especially for Scotland. Currently, we are led to believe that the DT programme at the University of Aberdeen has only seven students across all three years, despite being designed to accommodate 45 students. The education of Dental Technology professionals is necessary for the Oral Health Care team ethos to grow and be sustainable in Scotland.

Despite these deep concerns, the DTA is encouraged by Aberdeen University's commitment to supporting current cohorts of students. The assurance that students in years two and three will be able to complete their programme without any detriment is very much welcomed but is far from the national support that DTA has been negotiating for with the Dentistry leaders.

The DTA also welcomes the Aberdeen University's proactive approach in suggesting that it would work with Further and Higher Education institutions to develop a new education and training pathway for dental technicians. The proposed introduction of an SCQF Level 6 entry qualification is seen as essential to widening access, improving career attraction, and enhancing employability in the profession. Early discussions with other Higher Education Institutions regarding a new pre-registration training programme aligned with GDC registration requirements are also viewed as a crucial development. Although currently the DTA has not seen any such proposals and cannot comment further.

The DTA urges all stakeholders to collaborate closely to ensure the successful implementation of the current and suggested new pathways, which are vital for the future of dental technology education and the profession as a whole in Scotland and throughout the UK.

For more information, please contact:

Morag McDiarmid

Dental Business Manager - (DWD - DCP & Clinical Effectiveness)

Email: morag.mcdiarmid@nhs.scot

Offices: Edinburgh/Dundee/Aberdeen