DTA President Participates in Key Roundtable Discussion

Joanne Stevenson, the President of the Dental Technologists Association (DTA), recently attended a significant roundtable discussion hosted by the General Dental Council (GDC) in Belfast. The meeting brought together representatives from various sectors of the dental industry, including dentists, nurses, hygienists, and other professionals.

The discussions focused on several critical issues affecting the dental profession in Northern Ireland, such as access to funding and training, mental health in dentistry, and the challenges faced by dental technicians. Joanne actively participated in the discussions, highlighting the need for better training opportunities in light of the validating body, Pearsons, announcing the closure of their DT courses. While other regions in the UK have upgraded their DT courses to Foundation Degrees or similar, incorporating essential complex knowledge, skill development, and basic digital competencies, Northern Ireland remains in limbo. The DTA is still awaiting information on how the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) for NI plans to support and develop the existing training provisions.

We are currently reviewing the GDC proposed corporate strategy for the next three years, and will provide feedback before the deadline next month. If any of our members would like to share their comments, please send them to info@dta-uk.org.

This meeting underscores our commitment to engaging with key stakeholders and contributing to important conversations that shape the future of the dental profession. We look forward to continuing our involvement in such valuable discussions.