Clinical dental technicians in the United Kingdom: A qualitative understanding of the experiences, of practices and challenges of communication for dental professionals

Abstract

Aim To investigate the roles and relationships of registered Clinical Dental Technicians (CDTs) in the dental team and healthcare systems, and their perspective as a professional group in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods This qualitative study was conducted following a national questionnaire survey of CDTs, 18 of whom participated in semi‐structured interviews; they were purposively sampled to represent the diversity and demography of CDTs. A topic guide, informed by the literature and survey findings, guided discussions which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Drawing upon phenomenological and cultural relativistic theories, thematic analysis was conducted, thus enabling an “analytic story” of the lived experience to emerge. Results Clinical dental technicians expressed pride, passion and satisfaction in their work yet feel misunderstood in their role. Experiences of being accepted and incorporated into the wider dental profession are strained. Ultimately, there is a complex web of inter‐dependence between all actors—a triadic relationship—bounded by policymakers and regulators which directly impacts on best practice and the balance between collaboration and autonomy. Looking to the future, Ideal practice may involve different models of care, with examples of good practice emerging. Conclusion This paper provides a unique examination of the lived experience, feelings and relationships of CDTs. The perceptions of their role, their inter‐professional relations and the progression as a professional group must be addressed, and their potential to work collaboratively actively engaged to serve our ageing population.

Health and Wellbeing of Clinical Dental Care Professionals: A Systematic Review

“…17 Finally, one study focused on orthodontic therapists only, 16 while another focused on clinical dental technicians. 20 The majority were quantitative studies involving questionnaires, while one was qualitative. The questionnaires used varied across the studies.…”

“…13 Based on the evidence, clinical dental technicians felt excluded from the dental team and felt concern due to patients and other dental professionals not comprehending their role. 20 In summary, orthodontic therapists reported favourable influence of physical working environment on job satisfaction. While dental therapists expressed positive comments regarding their status in the practice, frustration with their treatment by some dentists, lack of jobs, and lack of confidence in therapy skills were reported.…”

“…Only four studies looked at the professional and social relationships of clinical DCPs, one of which looked at dually qualified dental hygienist-therapists, 18 one looked at dental therapists and dental hygienists working in 'direct access' service, 17 one looked at orthodontic therapists, 16 and another considered clinical dental technicians. 20 Evidence suggests that clinical dental technicians reported frustration and disappointment due to misunderstandings by other dental professionals and patients about their service provision, skill set, and profession. 20 Dental hygienists and dental therapists working in 'direct access' identified attitudes of dentists as unhelpful, which was a barrier to providing the service.…”

“…20 Evidence suggests that clinical dental technicians reported frustration and disappointment due to misunderstandings by other dental professionals and patients about their service provision, skill set, and profession. 20 Dental hygienists and dental therapists working in 'direct access' identified attitudes of dentists as unhelpful, which was a barrier to providing the service. 17,18 However, the evidence on…”

“…Four studies looked at an aspect of work characteristics; the working environment of clinical DCPs, dental therapists, orthodontic therapists, and clinical dental technicians. 10,13,16,20 Evidence suggests that the physical working conditions had a positive influence on the job satisfaction of orthodontic therapists. 16 There were both positive and negative comments regarding the workplace characteristics of dental therapists.…”