It is hard to believe that it is a year since our Conference in Blackpool when I was inaugurated as President of the Association. So much seems to have happened, yet it seems like yesterday – I think that is a sign of old age!

Registration
It has been an important and at times difficult year for many of us. The opening of the General Dental Council’s register for Dental Technicians in July was the result of many years of lobbying by many people. It is a formal recognition of the professional status of Dental Technology and the place of Dental Technicians in the Dental Team

Registration brings with it not just recognition but the adoption of professional standards, in both behaviour and education and training. Your council has participated actively in consultations with the GDC on a wide range of issues from conduct and disciplinary proceedings to continuing professional development requirements. I know some people still wonder what the personal benefits of registration are – isn’t it just another bill to pay? Well, if you are carrying out quality work in a suitable environment then it will make little difference to your day-to-day life, but it allows you to be proud of the profession of which you are a member, knowing that standards are being maintained and patients are benefiting from your work. If you have not yet registered, let me encourage you to do so.

NHS Contract
The introduction of the new NHS contract for dentists in April has led to much unrest. Many specialist orthodontists have had their NHS activity limited, and with the new flat rate per Unit of Orthodontic Activity (in effect a flat rate per case treated), many have looked at their treatment methods in a new way. With no extra payment for use of auxiliary or preparatory appliances many have seen cutting these out of their clinical practice as a way of maximising the income per case. In addition many general dental practitioners have been uncertain if they can still be paid for simple interceptive procedures such as pushing a tooth over the bite.

All in all the uncertainty for clinicians has had a significant effect for some members of the association, particularly those in the commercial sector. I can claim no special inside knowledge here, but my suspicion is that, as with most new systems and times of change, after the initial upheaval people will settle back into tried and trusted ways of working, and we will see a return, at least in part, to previous levels of activity.

OTA Council
Finally, I want to let you know that having attended Council meetings over this year, you are extremely fortunate to have such a talented and hardworking group of people acting for you in running the association. So much has been done, and I just want to comment on the excellent programme we have in Southampton and the quality of the Newsletter. These are both key in delivering the GDC’s requirements that we stay up to date and informed. I am looking forwards to a great weekend in Southampton and another exciting year in the life of the OTA.

David Bearn, BDS, FDS(orth), RCPS, MOrth, RCS, MSc.
Association President