Protecting the future of Britain’s dental labs

Debate has recently been ignited regarding the government’s apprenticeship scheme and its intended reforms under the Trailblazers programme. National Apprenticeship Week in March raised awareness of the rewards that employers reap from taking on young trainees. The dental lab industry – which may in the future see the creation of a dental lab technician apprenticeship – can realise the same benefits by employing newly qualified dental technicians.

The dental lab industry is struggling – and it has been for some time. Between 500 and 800 dental technicians leave the profession every year, and there are just 6,000 registered with the GDC. This is an extremely low figure, especially considering that a decade ago it was closer to 12,000 registrants. Britain is gradually losing a highly skilled workforce and as a result, more and more work has had to be outsourced overseas, which is less than ideal.

Despite these figures, there still remain labs that are apprehensive about employing newly qualified techs due to misconceptions about the quality of work that will be produced or questions surrounding the motivation or enthusiasm of the employee. Yet the vast majority of young people that are taken on in this role are not only highly dedicated, enthusiastic, motivated and dexterous individuals, but they’re also closely mentored, supported and trained before being permitted to work on difficult cases.

One example of the scope of achievement that can be reached by giving newly qualified dental technicians top quality support and instruction can be seen in the training programme of Sparkle Dental Labs. The company was launched in 2012 with the aim of regenerating the British dental lab industry, reversing the trend of outsourcing and supporting the future of the industry through the careful selection and thorough training of newly qualified dental technicians.

The lab ensures that new technicians do not work on complicated cases until they’ve had at least 18 months’ experience, as it appreciates that it’s only after a new technician has had significant lab experience that they have the skills and expertise required to work on more complicated cases. The company also enjoys a very low staff turnover, which is beneficial in many ways, including the fact that newly qualified dental technicians have consistency in their training. A low staff turnover also means that strong, long-term relationships are easily forged with the dentists the lab works with.

Looking ahead

By implementing a similarly thorough training programme to Sparkle Dental Labs, labs across the country will benefit from the enthusiasm and talent of newly qualified technicians. Those that are taken on can be encouraged and supported with valuable mentoring and instruction, learning from the team around them and not solely from one trainer, and shadowing a senior member of staff to be trained up to a high standard of competence before being allowed to work independently on cases.

Reversing the trend of losing dental lab technicians by employing young talent is an essential part of protecting the industry’s future ­– and to making the British brand the market leader in terms of standards and quality. Practices want traceable restorations that are made in Britain with expert workmanship and competitive pricing. By taking on newly qualified dental technicians and providing them with extensive training, mentoring and support, the future of the British dental lab industry is safe.

The government’s apprenticeship project, Trailblazers has appointed entrepreneur Mustafa Mohammed as the leader of its Dental Health section. Mustafa is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of highly skilled young technicians and developing an apprenticeship scheme for them. These young people will not only be of great value and benefit to the labs that take them on, but to the dental industry and UK economy as a whole.

For any additional information please call 0800 138 6255 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit:

www.sparkledentallabs.com