Last week, we asked the profession if the scope of practice for clinical dental technicians should be expanded – here’s what was said…
Dentistry’s Big Questions explores the hottest topics of the profession.
Last week’s question was: Should the scope of practice for clinical dental technicians be expanded? Based on our poll, 82% said yes, and 18% said no.
Hear the thoughts of the profession below…
Scroll to the bottom for next week’s Big Question.
Sean Ward, lab owner and clinical dental technician
When you have different regulations in different countries yet we all work under the same qualification, it makes a mockery of legislation sometimes! The Republic of Ireland model is where we should be over here.
Kash Qureshi, lab owner and clinical dental technician
Direct access – back in the day it was choice between clinical dental technicians (CDTs) and hygienist/therapists. With direct access, we can treat partially dentate patients without the headache of referral and prescription, where we loose time and potentially that patient.
On the other hand, I actually don’t mind the way it is as I have a good referral network for partially dentate patients.
Eleanor Pittard, lab co-director and manager
Absolutely – with the appropriate training.
Chet Geisel, BSc dental technology senior lecturer and programme director
Yes, this is an excellent way to maximise the dental workforce and treat more patients effectively.
John de Jongh, lab director and clinical dental technician
Yes, we can free up dentists to attend more urgent cases – together we can help more people.
Referrals increase patients for future treatment. It’s a win-win.
Vincenzo Marino, lab owner and clinical dental technician
Yes, definitely. With CDTs expanding on their scope of practice this would enable dentists to spend up to two hours extra per day concentrating on fillings extractions and crowns. It’s a win-win situation.
Kevin Abbott, clinical dental technician
We need a better understanding of what CDTs can do within their current scope of practice.
Asking for a prescription to reline a denture you have made just takes up dentist’s time and is madness. Asking for permission to take an impression to repair a patient’s denture is crazy.
We need to be able to use our professional judgment to help patients in the best way possible.
What are your thoughts? Email [email protected]
The next Big Question is: Is dentistry an inclusive profession for the LGBTQ+ community?
What do you think? Let’s get a discussion going – email your thoughts to [email protected] to feature in our follow-up article in which we will share the views from across the profession.
Previous Big Questions:
- Is the associate dentist model desirable?
- Has direct access proved effective?
- Is the future bright for dental technicians?
- Are dental nurses paid enough in the UK?
- Are dental therapists used to their full potential in the UK?
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
