Activity and Education of Clinical Dental Technicians; a UK Survey

Objectives: To ascertain the views of UK Clinical Dental Technicians (CDTs) regarding their requirement to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) from July 2006, need for continuing education, and qualifications, experience and employment pattern. Currently CDTs cannot practise legally in the UK. Methods: Postal survey to 135 members of the Clinical Dental Technicians Association. One reminder was sent. The questionnaire investigated qualifications, experience, working patterns, CPD, and attitudes towards registration with GDC. Results: Valid responses (after discounting retired and non-UK respondents) were received from 69 CDTs. With no appropriate UK courses, 45 (64%) had qualified following completion of the Dentulism course provided by George Brown College, Toronto. These CDTs tended to have been practicing longer, offer a wider range of services including protheses other than dentures, other treatments, and operate patient lists and recall systems. Although 61 (87%) had attended an educational event in the previous 12 months, 56 (81%) felt there were insufficient or inadequate training opportunities available to them. Forty-eight (69%) made suggestions or comments regarding the content of possible courses, which included business management, NHS structure, team working, technical skills, infection control and oral pathology. Fifty-two (81% - missing 6) were happy with the new requirement for GDC registration, and 53 (82% - missing 5) felt it would enhance their position. Fifty-four (84% - missing 6) felt there would be an extended remit for CDTs in the future, and 62 (94% - missing 4) intended staying in the profession. Conclusions: GDC registration from 2006 means that, following appropriate training, CDTs will be officially recognised in the UK for the first time. This survey is the first to investigate views of CDTs facing this crucial change. It has identified a large demand for educational support for this professional group, and may inform the GDC in developing relevant courses.