Defining the role of the Clinical Dental Technician
The role of the Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) sits somewhere between that of a dentist who would usually take the patient’s impressions, and that of a dental technician who would receive the impressions from a dentist and then make the dentures (usually for patients they have never actually seen themselves). The CDT does both roles, takes the impression and makes/fits the dentures.
To construct aesthetically pleasing dentures with comfort and function is one of hardest tasks in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also compensating for bone loss and very often sunken facial profiles, which can age patients up to 10 years prematurely. Careful, calculated consideration of each individual’s anatomy is essential for outstanding results to be gained in this delicate area.
Registered CDTs are legally qualified to give oral examinations and to check that the mouth is in a healthy state, along with the taking of impressions of the edentulous mouth (no teeth) which enables the production of high quality dentures. It is, however, illegal for regular dental technicians to offer this service and anybody who has dealt with a dental technician direct for the provision of dentures, should seek an oral examination as soon as possible from a suitably qualified and registered dental care professional as your health could be at risk.
During your first consultation our Clinical Dental Technician will undertake a detailed evaluation, enabling us to create a detailed treatment plan just for you.
This may include:
- Taking details about your dental and medical history
- X-rays and photographic images of your mouth (by our dentist)
- Full clinical assessment and oral examination of current oral health, including natural tooth loss
- Advice on helping you achieve optimum oral health
We will then run through the different types of dentures available and procedures involved, along with costs so you can make an informed choice about the treatment you receive. Then either at this stage or at a later date you and your Clinical Dental Technician can then decide on the right plan of action.
Do I need to see a Dentist or can I see a Clinical Dental Technician (or both)?
A CDT can directly treat, create and fit a complete set of dentures to patients who have experienced total tooth loss. If you are looking for partial dentures, as you have some of your own natural teeth remaining or you have had a dental implant, you must first be seen or referred by your dentist before treatment can begin.
Patients presenting with natural teeth will be advised to visit a dentist for an oral examination/check-up where an appropriate treatment plan can then be formulated in conjunction with the CDT. We have our own in house dentist to assist with this if you do not have your own.
