Orthodontic Technicians Association

12 Bridewell Pl
london UK EC4V 6A
207-353-8680
ota-uk.org

About The Orthodontic Technicians Association:

The association was formed in 1971 following a meeting between orthodontic dental technicians employed in London teaching hospitals. Since then membership has grown steadily to represent all members of the industry. It is estimated that there are currently between 400 and 500 dental technicians earning their living from orthodontics in the UK.

Aims:

The aims of the association are to encourage study, promote the highest standards of practice and advance the knowledge of orthodontic laboratory and clinical techniques for the benefit of the orthodontic team and patient.

Objectives:

Act as an advisory body to institutions and individuals on the use of all orthodontic laboratory techniques and the service orthodontic technicians provide.

To widen, improve and develop the education and knowledge of those actively engaged in orthodontic technology through the media, publications, lectures, exhibitions, conferences and any other appropriate means. Keep a register of members and their qualifications.

To invite and collect subscriptions and donations to the funds of the Association by any lawful means. To co-operate with other organisations with the view to the promotion of the objects of the Association.

Benefits of Membership.-

Events:

The Association holds an annual technical conference at a suitable venue each year. This is well supported by both members and traders and a good opportunity for all those involved to get to know each other. Besides the social aspect of the conference, it is probably the best way of keeping up with the latest techniques and innovations in orthodontic technology as the lead-time on publication of articles can be long. The annual general meeting of the Association is held during the conference.

In addition to our own conference, the Association also takes part in the British Orthodontic Conference each year. Members are invited to put on table and poster demonstrations at these conferences. It is vital that we maintain a presence at this event in order to strengthen our links with our clinical colleagues.

Representation:

Members of the Council sit on various boards and committees to represent the interests of orthodontic technicians. This is an important function due to the many changes taking place in dental technology at present. Areas under discussion at present include registration, orthodontic auxiliaries and clinical dental technicians.

As a member, you gain recognition of your skills as an Orthodontic Technician. In addition, you also gain representation on the following bodies:

Central Council for Health Authority Dental Technology.

College and University Education Advisory Boards.

Consultant Orthodontists Group.

Affiliation to:

The British Orthodontic Society.

The British Orthodontic Conference.

Publications:

The Association produces a quarterly newsletter and members are encouraged to contribute letters and technical tips. The Newsletter reports on meetings attended by Council officers and keeps members up to date on changes in legislation affecting our profession. The Newsletter also provides technical support from the expertise of your fellow members.

Since 1997 Conference we have combined our Conference Programme with Proceedings, which, as well as containing abstracts of the lectures given at the Conference, also contains technical articles so that it can be used as a reference source. Anyone can submit an article for consideration for publication in the Proceedings.

In 1971 orthodontic technicians based at London teaching hospitals began holding meetings to discuss the regulation of orthodontic technology and the ways in which standards in the profession could be improved. Bert Aldridge, laboratory manager at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and Len Bradshaw, his counterpart at Kings College Dental School, discussed the possibility of forming an Association for orthodontic technicians.

They were visiting lecturers at South London College on Tooley Street, which has since merged with Brixton College of Further Education and Vauxhall College to become Lambeth College, with the Tooley Street campus moving to Clapham in 2004. Aldridge wrote to the other orthodontic technicians working at London teaching hospitals and invited them to attend a meeting on Monday 11 October 1971 at 6.00 00 pm at Great Ormond Street Hospital to discuss the possibility of forming an association.

Thirteen orthodontic technicians attended the meeting and it was agreed that such an association should be formed. During the meetings that followed the constitution was written and the first conference was planned, which was held in April 1973 at University College Hospital in London. Letters with details of the conference were sent out to all orthodontic departments throughout the United Kingdom.

Map of Orthodontic Technicians Association 12 Bridewell Pl, london UK EC4V 6A

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