The Dental Technician will have knowledge of:

Oral Anatomy

Normal dental/oral anatomy and physiology.

Dental devices and combating oral problems

How design of custom-made devices can contribute to restoration of functionality as well as prevention of oral disease/further decline.

Manufacturing Procedures

The procedures used in design and manufacture of custom made devices - dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontic (including Computer Aided Design (CAD)/ Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) & IT Solutions).

Material Selection

The principles regarding the selection and use of materials for use in custom made dental

devices.

The Dental Team and Professionalism

The role of Dental Technician and other dental team members in management and leadership, professionalism and communication.

Medical Devices Directive & GDC Guidelines

Compliance with the Medical Devices Directive Council 93/42/EEC (MDD), GDC standards for Dental Team, Scope of practice  http://www.gdc-uk.org/Newsandpublications/Publications/Publications/StudentFtPApril10web_260310[1 ].pdf

The Dental Technician will be able to:

Appropriate Device Selection

Advise the prescribing dentist on appropriate dental devices based on dentist input, while recognising oral limitations and their effect on devices. Evaluate, for individual patients, the need for more complex treatment and seek advice from the dentist or more experienced Dental Technicians as appropriate.

Device Manufacture

Design, manufacture, assess, repair, modify and provide biomechanically sound custom- made dental devices in the following three areas:

1.Prosthetic Device Manufacture (Dentures)

Design and manufacture complete and partial removable prosthesis, including the provision of custom made impression trays

2.Conservation Device Manufacture (Crown/Bridge)

Produce models and dies for conservation work

Design and manufacture single metallic and tooth coloured restorations

Create substructures for bridgework and apply tooth coloured materials for permanent restorations

3.Orthodontic Device Manufacture (Braces)

Produce models for Orthodontic case study purposes and appliance construction

Design and manufacture removable, functional and fixed orthodontic appliances

Digital Manufacturing Procedures

Aware of the basic procedures used in design and manufacture of custom made devices (including CAD/CAM & IT Solutions).

Device Assessment

Assess impressions, models and finished devices as well as the fitness for purpose of devices and propose alternatives where necessary, in line with patient prescription, and formally record these decisions as for MDD requirements

Can review and Quality Assure the devices

Implants and attachments

Aware of basic procedures for the use of implants, milling and precision attachments as used with various forms of custom made dental restorations

Communication

Communicate effectively with and about patients, their representatives and the rest of the dental team. Handle complaints effectively and within GDC guidelines.

Decontamination & Infection Control

Manage safety, infection control and decontamination risks around the dental laboratory in keeping with current regulations

What is required

Continuing Personal Development

Proactive in their own development, willing to commit to lifelong learning by use of a Personal Development Plan (PDP), personal reflection and continuous improvement.

Ethical/Legal Awareness

Recognise and act within GDC standards, ethical guidance, information governance and relevant laws.

Collaboration

Willing to give and receive feedback effectively and tactfully within the wider dental team; takes responsibility for establishing personal networks with dental professionals, specialists and other relevant individuals and organisations.

Responsibility & Integrity

Ready to take responsibility for integrity of completed work.