DTA Raises Urgent Concerns Over the Future of Dental Technology Training in the UK

The Dental Technologists Association (DTA) is deeply concerned by the growing number of dental technology training programmes across the UK facing closure or suspension. In recent months, announcements have emerged regarding three separate institutions although we are told that final decisions have not yet been formally confirmed. The DTA has made strong representations to educational bodies and Dental Officers regarding the plight and difficulties that some Dental Technology training establishments are under to be financially stable. We do not currently see any major support for the profession. With numbers of registered Dental Technicians decreasing where is the next generation of these Oral Healthcare team members to come from? Are we still going to work in a closed shop where Dentist keep their own good dental technicians to themselves and strive to not share the skilled dental technician with others?

Recently, we have been made aware of the significant pressures facing other centres. For instance, in Northern Ireland, Pearson has announced the withdrawal of the BTEC Level 3 Dental Technology programme, which they had continued to offer for many additional years. Furthermore, it has come to light that another Dental Technology programme in England is also under serious review. Additionally, we have been informed that the University of Aberdeen may suspend its Dental Technology provision for one or two years due to insufficient student numbers.

The DTA warns that these developments represent a critical threat to the future dental technology workforce and to Oral Healthcare throughout the UK. Dental technicians are an essential part of the oral healthcare team, working behind the scenes to provide patients with essential custom-made dental devices such as dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances. Without a sustainable escalator of training opportunities, the UK risks a shortage of skilled professionals able to support patient care. There is no formal advertising of the professional role of Dental Technicians, and the public are totally unaware of the essential role these members of the Oral Health Care team carry out.

DTA President Joanne Stevenson said:

"The closure or suspension of three training pathways in such a short space of time is an alarming signal that dental technology education is in crisis. Dental technicians play a vital role in maintaining oral health for the public, yet there is insufficient national recognition or support for sustaining the workforce. Without urgent intervention, patient care will suffer."

The DTA is calling on government, regulators, senior Oral Healthcare managers and education providers to:

∙Safeguard existing training programmes and ensure stability for students and staff.

∙Develop new, nationally supported pathways into the profession to widen access and improve career attraction.

∙Recognise dental technology as a critical part of oral healthcare planning, not an afterthought.

The Dental Technologist Association stresses that the future of the dental technology profession - and, by extension, safe and timely quality patient care is at risk - it requires immediate national action now.