The role of clinical dental technicians working alongside dental practices has never been more important and that is reflected by the fact that the first time this year our profession has enjoyed registration with the General Dental Council. This is in large part a reflection of the way in which people are living longer and enjoying vastly improved lifestyles so are increasingly focussed on all aspects of their health, appearance and well-being.

Doug Heaysman Dip CDT, RCS, (Eng) MCDP, MDTA, DD, has over 30 years experience as a dental technician, having qualified in London in 1970, following 4 years study at Norwood College. He has considerable experience of both prosthetic and ceramic laboratory work, having worked in both busy commercial laboratories and smaller private premises. He has had his own laboratory in East Lancashire for the past 28 years.

During this time he has undertaken further study, gaining the Diploma in Denturism from George Brown College, Toronto, in 2003.

He moved to new purpose-designed premises in Albert Road, Colne, Lancashire, in 2006, from where he offers a full dental laboratory service, together with providing a denture service direct to the public.

Clinical Dental Technicians (CDTs) are not dentists but are skilled practitioners who work in parallel with local dental practices to deliver specialist services to clients including the fitting of dentures.  Equipped with solid technical training as a Dental Technician - plus post-technician training in sciences, clinical skills and interpersonal skills the CDTs can design, create, construct, repair and modify removable appliances to ensure optimal fit, maximum comfort and general well-being of patients.  There are well over 100 CDTs in the UK and since April 2007 they have been able to register with the General Dental Council.