CLARIFYING THE TITLE "DENTAL TECHNOLOGISTS" WITHIN THE DENTAL PROFESSION IN NIGERIA

CLARIFYING THE TITLE "DENTAL TECHNOLOGISTS" WITHIN THE DENTAL PROFESSION IN NIGERIA

"Dental Technologists" within the dental profession, are significant professionals with merit deeply rooted in the historical context of dental practice. Below, I present strong points and historical perspective to justify the name "Dental Technologist in the dental profession."

The term "Dental Technologist" has a long-standing historical precedent within the dental profession. Dental technologists use their skills and knowledge to create and fabricate dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. They work closely with dentists to ensure that these restorations are accurate, precise, and meet the needs of the patient engaging diverse technological tools to accomplish excellent restorations which range from artificial nose, ear, and eye. Others include artificial teeth, bridges, crowns, implants retained prostheses etc. 

Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Etruscans, employed artisans who closely resemble what we now refer to as dental technologists but not exactly as education and training have made clear distinctions on whom a dental technologist is.

"Dental Technologists" reflects their expertise in mastering various materials, including ceramics, metals, and plastics, to produce functional and aesthetically pleasing dental appliances. They possess craftsmanship as a remarkable hallmark of their work and tasks undertaken in dental laboratory.

The dental field consisted of professionals, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. For example dentists diagnose and provide direct patient care, whereas dental hygienists focus on preventive care. Dental technologists, in contrast, specialize in the technical aspects of crafting dental prostheses. This differentiation of roles is essential for maintaining clarity within the dental profession and among patients, ensuring that each professional's expertise is recognized and respected.

The title "Dental Technologists" is legally recognized and protected in Nigeria and globally. Dental technologists are required to meet specific educational and training standards, obtain licensure, and adhere to established regulations and ethical guidelines. This legal framework ensures accountability and patient safety, further justifying the use of this professional title. Patients should have confidence that the person providing their care has the appropriate skills and qualifications for their specific role.

LEGAL DEFENCE OF PROFESSIONAL TITLE OF DENTAL TECHNOLOGISTS

In Nigeria, as in many other countries, the legal defence for dental technologists, and the use of their professional title rests on several key factors, including:

1. Education and Training,
2. Registration and Licensing
3. Scope of Practice,
4. Professional Organizations
5. Patient Safety
6. Clarity in Communication
7. Professional Identity
8. Adherence to Regulatory Requirements.

The following legal defence as stated above are hereby explained to throw more light on them.

Educational and Training Requirements: Dental technologists in Nigeria typically undergo formal education and training programmes in dental technology. There are several higher institutions and universities responsible for dental technology education in Nigeria. Among these institutions are Federal University Technology Owerri (FUTO), Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy Enugu among several other Colleges of health and other Universities that are already prepared to expand dental laboratory technology education in Nigeria. Education equips dental technologists with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in dental laboratories and fabricate dental prosthetics that meet international best practices. Legal defence can be based on the fact that dental technologists have completed accredited educational programmes that the laws of Nigeria establish and justify and therefore met the standards set by regulatory authorities. In contrast, other dental professionals follow their own specific educational paths tailored to their roles in patient care and treatment.

Registration and Licensing: Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria (DTRBN) is responsible for regulating the practice of dental technologists in Nigeria having been established by enabling law namely: Dental Technologists Registration Board of Nigeria established by Act Cap D6 of 2004 (Decree 43 of 1987). Being registered and licensed demonstrates compliance with legal requirements and establishes professional credibility. In many jurisdictions, the use of professional titles is legally regulated to protect the public. Designating oneself as a "dental technologist" without the appropriate education, training, and licensing could lead to legal consequences. The use of specific titles is generally reserved for individuals who have undergone legally prescribed educational programmes and meet established qualifications.

Scope of Practice:

Dental technologists primarily work in dental laboratories, specializing in the fabrication of dental prosthetics and appliances. Their role is highly technical and craftsmanship-oriented, focusing on the creation and customization of dental devices. Other dental professionals, such as dentists, dental hygienists, and oral surgeons, have distinct roles related to patient care, diagnosis, treatment planning, and oral health management, which are outside the scope of dental technologists' roles.

Dental technology by the laws of Nigeria that established both the education and practice of the profession defined scope of practice, which involves the creation and customization of dental prosthetics and appliances. Compliance with Regulations, codes of ethics, and standards of practice governing the profession in Nigeria ensure that they are providing services within the legal framework with the designated nomenclature.

Professional Organizations: Membership of professional organizations, such as the Association of Dental Technologists of Nigeria (ADTN), is also part of the legal defence. These organizations often have their own codes of ethics and standards that members must adhere to, reinforcing their commitment to professionalism. Each group of dental professionals is responsible for adhering to their respective standards of practice, codes of practice and ethical guidelines.

Patient Safety: Emphasis on the use of the title "dental technologist" is intended to promote patient safety and ensure that individuals who receive dental prosthetics and appliances can have trust in the skills and expertise of the professional responsible for their fabrication. Patients should therefore have confidence that the person providing their care has the appropriate skills and qualifications for their specific role.

Clarity in Communication: The use of the title "dental technologist" helps maintain clarity in communication within the dental field and prevents confusion about roles and responsibilities. This clarity serves the best interests of both professionals and patients.

Professional Identity: Differentiating between various dental professionals based on their titles maintains unique identities and contributions of each group within the dental field. This clarity fosters collaboration and effective communication among dental team members and it is necessary to foster collaboration and professional harmony.

Adherence to Regulatory Requirements is just as simple as identifying with your education, training, codes and ethics that guide your practice and justifying your obedience to constituted authority

WHAT DOES THE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL (GDC) OF THE UNITED KINGDOM SAYS?

The General Dental Council (GDC) of the United Kingdom can be said to have bequeathed dental profession to Nigeria. From anecdote professional colleagues justify this assertion. It is therefore important to give ears to the position of GDC on who dental technologists are. For GDC those who practice dental technology are dental technologists. The GDC is the regulatory body for dentists and dental care professionals in the UK. They set the standards for education, training, and registration for dental care professionals.

The GDC defines a dental technologist as "a person who is qualified to fabricate dental appliances and devices under the direction of a dentist." The GDC also states that "the term 'dental technologist' is the preferred term for those who practice dental technology", despite that practitioners of dental technology are conveniently refer to as dental technician in the UK.

The GDC's justification for the name dental technologist is based on the following factors:

The term "dental technologist" is more accurate than the term "dental technician." The term "dental technician" can be used to refer to a variety of people, including those who work in dental laboratories and those who work in dental offices. The term "dental technologist" is more specific and refers specifically to those who fabricate dental appliances and devices.

The term "dental technologist" is more professional than the term "dental technician." The term "dental technician" has a more industrial or manufacturing connotation. The term "dental technologist" has a more scientific or technical connotation.

The term "dental technologist" is more consistent with the terminology used by other professional organizations. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the International Association of Dental Technicians (IADT) both use the term "dental technologist" to refer to those who practice dental technology.

In conclusion, the GDC of the UK justifies the name dental technologist for those who practice dental technology. The term is more accurate, professional, and consistent with the terminology used by other professional organizations.

Dental technologists in Nigeria have legally defended their professional title by their education, registration, adherence to regulations, and dedication to patient safety. By staying informed and compliant with legal and professional requirements, dental technologists can confidently assert their place within the dental healthcare system in Nigeria. Within the scope of established international conventions and practices the following publications are references alluding to the roles played and still being play by dental technologists globally and by extension in Nigeria.

1. "The Dental Art of Ancient Egypt" by Carl O. Eggers: This article from the Journal of the History of Dentistry describes the dental practices of ancient Egypt, including the use of gold and silver fillings, inlays, and crowns.
2. "The Etruscan Dental Art" by Antonio Carusi: This article from the International Journal of Dental Anthropology describes the dental practices of ancient Etruria, including the use of dental implants and bridges.
3. "Dental Technology in the Ancient World" by Michael J. Craddock: This book from the British Museum Press discusses the development of dental technology from the ancient world to the present day.
4. "The History of Dental Technology" by the American College of Dental Technicians: This book from the American College of Dental Technicians traces the history of dental technology, from its early beginnings to the present day.
5. "Dental Technician Licensure and Certification" by the American Dental Technicians Association: This article from the American Dental Technicians Association provides information on the licensing and certification requirements for dental technicians.
6. "Dental Technician" by the American Dental Association: This article from the American Dental Association defines the term "dental technician" as "a person who fabricates dental appliances and devices under the direction of a dentist."
7. "Dental Laboratory Technology" by the National Association of Dental Laboratories: This textbook from the National Association of Dental Laboratories states that "the dental technician is a skilled professional who fabricates dental restorations, appliances, and devices."
8. "The History of Dental Technology" by the American College of Dental Technicians: This book from the American College of Dental Technicians traces the history of dental technology, from its early beginnings to the present day.
9. "The Role of the Dental Technician" by the International Association of Dental Technicians: This article from the International Association of Dental Technicians discusses the role of the dental technician in the dental care team.
10. "Dental Technician Licensure and Certification" by the American Dental Technicians Association: This article from the American Dental Technicians Association provides information on the licensing and certification requirements for dental technicians.

"DENTAL TECHNOLOGIST VS. DENTAL TECHNICIAN: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?"

1. "Dental Technologist vs. Dental Technician: What's the Difference?" by Dental Assistant Schools Online: This article from Dental Assistant Schools Online states that "the terms 'dental technologist' and 'dental technician' are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between the two." The article goes on to explain that "dental technologists typically have a higher level of education and training than dental technicians, and they may be responsible for more complex tasks."
2. "What is the Difference Between a Dental Technician and a Dental Technologist?" by Dental Jobs: This article from Dental Jobs states that "the terms 'dental technician' and 'dental technologist' are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two." The article goes on to explain that "dental technicians typically work in dental laboratories, while dental technologists may work in dental laboratories or in dental offices."
3. "Dental Technologist vs. Dental Technician: Which Career is Right for You?" by Dental Careers Hub: This article from Dental Careers Hub states that "the terms 'dental technologist' and 'dental technician' are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences between the two." The article goes on to explain that "dental technologists typically have a bachelor's degree in dental technology, while dental technicians typically have an associate's degree in dental technology.