Student MEMBERSHIP 

dta

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Being a member of The Dental Technologists Association (DTA) comes with a wealth of benefits. From a wide range of learning and professional development opportunities to exclusive discounts on leading industry brands, membership supports you at every stage of your career. 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

What job could you have in the future? 

Commercial dental laboratories

These laboratories are where most dental technicians work, either as employees or, with experience, running their own businesses. The laboratories, which range from single-handed organisations through to large companies, receive prescriptions from dentists and carry out the work required. They also repair or modify appliances. A large laboratory deals with a wide variety of work and may offer the opportunity to specialise.

Hospitals

Hospital dental departments may employ specialist technicians to make maxillofacial appliances and other dental appliances. In the NHS there is a clear career structure relating to qualifications, responsibility and competence.

General practice

A few large private dental practices employ their own dental technician to carry out work on the premises, though most practices use commercial laboratories. In a practice, the dental technician would deal with quite a wide range of work, often specialising to meet the needs of the particular practice.

Further Qualifications

With further qualification and experience, dental technicians can progress to a clinical dental technician and be able to provide services direct to patients. An important part of the role is to check on the patient's general dental welfare.

The DTA jobs board  is a perfect place for if you are in search of employment. It is regularly updated with available positions all around the country. 

PROSPECTS AND PAY

Dental technicians working within the NHS earn from around £28,400 when first qualified, but it's possible for pay to rise to almost £50,100 with experience and advanced skills (2023/24 rates in England). Salaries for staff working in the private sector vary depending on the employer; the starting salary may not be quite as much compared to the NHS starting salary but those who are highly skilled can earn up to £60,000+. The income of self-employed dental technicians will depend on the success of their business.

DTA REWARDS 

& TOTUM BENEFITS

DTA Rewards provides access to a range of discounts from recognised brands, helping students manage day-to-day expenses more easily. It includes offers across categories such as essentials, technology, clothing, and entertainment, giving members practical ways to reduce costs throughout their studies.

We have also partnered with TOTUM to bring our members even more deals. Their memberships provide access to hundreds of offers - online and instore, as well additional benefits such as PASS proof of age ID, TOTUM Cashback, and global ID Global ID & discounts with ISIC.

SUPPORT FROM

THE DTA

  • Our printed publication The Technologist includes technical articles to support your learning.
  • Webinars of manufacturing techniques and information related to digital dental technology
  • We explain what is expected of you by the GDC when you qualify as a Dental Technician and provide you with the tools to meet these requirements.
  • Student membership of the DTA is only £10 per year. Then, once you qualify, your membership remains discounted for your first three years before you pay the full membership fee currently £125. Year 1 £25, Year 2 £50, Year 3 £75.

Our 

values 

REPRESENT

The DTA are the voice for dental technologists throughout the UK, whether qualified or in training. The association is managed by voluntary dental technicians  who represent the DTA and the common concerns among our membership at various stakeholder meetings and keep in touch with the many groups, associations and regulatory bodies within dentistry, influencing policies and helping to shape the future of dental technology. Lobbying for professional recognition and continually influencing and raising the profile of dental technology with decision makers to achieve a shared understanding of the needs of dental care professionals, (DCPs). Learn more about DTA projects .

EDUCATE

We encourage lifelong learning via our quarterly publications, The Technologist and Articulate which are written specifically for our dental technologist members. Each issue contains peer-reviewed and quality assured verifiable free CPD , including articles that provide an insight in to a wide range of related dental topics and those all-important recommended subjects. We regularly engage regulators and stakeholders to incrementally improve the quality of CPD and the professionalism of our dental technologist members and wider dental team. With over 20 hours of CPD per year, members have the opportunity to stay educated and can be confident that they can meet their annual GDC requirements.

SUPPORT

Being part of the DTA community gives members access to a wealth of information, advice sheets and guidance documents on a variety of topics within the members' area of the DTA website including; regulatory updates and requirements, technical, FAQs, factsheets, templates and business management. Not only that, the DTA office and support team are there to help you with your enquiries and all members have access to free legal, tax and counselling helpline year-round. Plus, you can advertise jobs or your own skills via the DTA job advertising facility. Find out more about Membership .

COMMUNICATE

Dental Technology is in exciting times with the rapid developments of digital dental technology. We regularly communicate to the DTA membership through our publications, email newsletters, the DTA website and social media to highlight important information and keep members up to date with what is going on in dental technology, as well as the wider dental arena. The DTA are actively involved in various National initiatives, consultations, campaigns and activities for which we regularly survey our membership in order to represent wider views and common concerns.

WHO ARE DENTAL TECHNOLOGISTS?

If you're looking for more information on the type of work dental technologists do, skills required and routes to becoming a dental technologist please visit our Dental Technology and Education and training pages.