TY - JOUR
T1 - Clinical dental technicians in the United Kingdom
T2 - A qualitative understanding of the experiences, of practices and challenges of communication for dental professionals
AU - Curtis, Sarah
AU - Gurveer, Jaggee
AU - Gallagher, Jennifer E.
PY - 2019/12/1
Y1 - 2019/12/1
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - clinical dental technicians
KW - dental team
KW - dentistry
KW - older people
KW - oral health service provision
KW - triad of relations
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85075814702&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/ger.12413
DO - 10.1111/ger.12413
M3 - Article
C2 - 31347736
AN - SCOPUS:85075814702
SN - 0734-0664
VL - 36
SP - 405
EP - 416
JO - GERODONTOLOGY
JF - GERODONTOLOGY
IS - 4
ER -