Future training for dental technicians

As a result of Government decisions and the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for health professions, dental technicians are no longer required to be registered in New South Wales.

With the transition to national registration, negative licensing has become part of the co-regulatory environment for dental laboratories and technicians. With the changes to the training courses for dental technicians significant time for education has been focused in the area of dental prosthetics. As an alternative to industry based courses, dental technicians should now look forward to opportunities to further their graduate training. The NSW Dental Council has established an education committee for Dental Technicians (DTEAC) to enable dental technicians to continue their professional development and further their education beyond the diploma course currently offered. The Committee is seeking assistance from the dental industry and education providers to achieve this ideal. The Committee is interested in delivery methods and course outcomes that will offer ongoing education for dental technicians in all areas of practice including but not limited to ceramics, removable and fixed prosthetics, orthodontics and castings. Expressions of interest may be forwarded to Ms Sue Hardman, Executive Officer, Dental Council of NSW, Locked Bag 20, Haymarket NSW 1238.