Joanne Stevenson shares what she hopes to accomplish as the new Dental Technologists Association (DTA) president and how she aims to approach various challenges
My name is Joanne Stevenson, and I am the newly elected president of the Dental Technologists Association (DTA). I am a prosthetic dental technician originally from Manchester, currently residing and working in Belfast.
My journey into dental technology began during my school years, guided by my careers officer. With a strong aptitude for sciences, I was keen on working in a laboratory setting. After interviews at microbiology labs at Christie Hospital and Scottish and Newcastle Brewery, I was eventually introduced to a dental laboratory. I was immediately captivated by the field, as it perfectly combined my passion for hands-on work with my interest in science.
I had the opportunity to connect with a group of dentists who were offering scholarships to aspiring dental students. They facilitated my placement in a prosthetics lab, and I subsequently enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University to pursue a BTEC national in dental technology. Over the course of four years, I balanced my time between working in the lab four days a week and attending classes one day a week.
In 1995, I qualified as a dental technician and relocated to Belfast, where my family is from. Currently, I work in the prosthetics department at one of the largest laboratories in Northern Ireland. My role encompasses all aspects of prosthetics, including implant-retained overdentures and hybrid bridges.
How does it feel to be elected DTA president?
I joined the DTA council during the COVID-19 lockdown period after submitting an article for The Technologist, which led to an invitation to join the management team. After three years on the team, I was elected deputy president alongside Delroy Reeves, who was president at the time. Over the next two years, I gained invaluable insights and experience under Delroy’s leadership. This year, I had the honour of being elected as the first female president of the DTA.
It is a tremendous privilege to be entrusted with this role by my fellow council members, and I am committed to leading the association with dedication and integrity.
What is your vision for the DTA during your time as president?
My vision for the DTA is to continue being a strong advocate for our members, providing them with advice and guidance throughout their careers. I aim to promote education and training, offering lifelong learning opportunities and advocating for the highest standards of practice.
The management team is always looking for ways to improve benefits for our members and provide them with as much information as possible, and we have an exciting year ahead.
With the support of the team, I hope to continue adding valuable resources for our members as the profession evolves.
The decline in dental technicians is a major concern. How do you hope to approach this challenge?
The decline in dental technicians is indeed a significant concern. While there are still several colleges offering courses at various levels, the situation is particularly challenging in Northern Ireland, where training opportunities are more limited compared to the UK mainland. Many students are forced to resort to distance learning to pursue their education.
The DTA is committed to supporting students throughout their studies by providing copies of The Technologist and offering reduced-price student memberships.
Through this, we aim to highlight the importance of dental technology and attract new talent to the field by showcasing the rewarding career opportunities it offers.
How do you hope to combat Illegal and unregulated manufacture?
In trying to maintain a level playing field, we are committed to educating our members and raising awareness of regulations to all professional bodies, ensuring compliance with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Medical Device Regulations (MDR) for custom-made dental devices.
The DTA continues to advocate for compliance with these regulations and highlights the essential role of dental laboratories in oral healthcare. We regularly meet with regulators to discuss these important topics.
When you look back on your time as president, what kind of impact do you hope to have made?
I hope that when my tenure as president comes to an end, the association will remain as strong as it is now and, under my leadership, will have moved on to even greater achievements. I hope to have made a significant impact by advancing the standards of dental technology, supporting the professional growth of dental technicians, and ensuring the highest quality of care for patients.
My aim is to leave a legacy of innovation, collaboration and excellence within the DTA.
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