What is a Clinical Dental Technician?
Clinical dental technicians are part of the multi-disciplinary dental team who specialises in manufacturing and fitting removable dental appliances directly to patients.
The primary type of work they undertake is in the provision of dentures. However, continuing professional development can enhance their skills, knowledge and competence in other areas of removable dental appliances, such as sports mouthguards and anti-snoring devices.
Equipped with solid technical training as a Dental Technician – plus post-technician training in sciences, clinical skills, and interpersonal skills – Clinical Dental Technicians can provide complete dentures to edentulous patients independently of other dental team members. They can provide partial dentures as long as the patient has been seen by a dentist who has issued a certificate of oral health and a treatment plan.
However, the underlying principles set by ethical guidance include 4 main points. All Dental Care Professionals who work clinically must ensure:
- They have received consent from the patient.
- They are indemnified for the procedures they undertake.
- The treatment they provide is in the best interest of the patient.
- They work to the limitations of their competence as set by their curriculum.
Any Dental Care Professional, including a Clinical Dental Technician, will be required to prove the above should a complaint arise. They are placed before a Fitness to Practise Panel under the General Dental Council.
A Clinical Dental Technician registered with the General Dental Council must comply with the strict ethical guidelines, as laid down by the General Dental Council, including awareness of all regulations about dentistry.
Your Role in Clinical Dental Technology