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[edit] Cleaning up of article

re: suggestion to merge dental technician with Prosthodontics. Completely different disciplines. Prosthedontists are patient center practitioners who deal with the preparation of high level dental restorations where as a dental technician is the professional who crafts replacement restorations supplied to the Prosthedontist who cements or otherwise fixes the restorations permenantly.

I have reformatted some of the sentences to be less emotive, for example, 'dental technicians are a highly skilled member of the...' was changed to dental technicians are a member of the...' as you can get highly skilled dental technicians and most of them are. however not all dental technicians are highly skilled as can be said for any profession. (Bouncingmolar 13:02, 13 February 2007 (UTC))

I also deleted the section : "In some jurisdictions a dental technician is a designated health professional due to the intrinsic risk of harm when a dental appliance is fabricated incorrectly. "

• even if dental technicians are actually designated health professionals I doubt it is because of the reason: because they might make a mistake... seems a bit silly. and why list something that happens in "some jurisdicitons" without listing the jurisdiction....?

Dental Technicians are now identified and registered in the UK as dental care professionals. The ability of a prescriber to identify the materials used and their method of manufacture is limited thus in Europe dental laboratories are regulated by their national governments under EU law. In the UK this is done by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA). The laboratory must record the manufacturing data, beyond that many labs are now ISO 9001: 2000 compliant.(user: acadent 9 may 2007)

"Dentists are no longer taught how to fabricate dental appliances to any great extent and depend on the skill and knowledge the dental technician brings with regard to materials used, evaluation of clinical design and to the fabrication process."

• This is also not true, maybe at whoever wrote this sections dental school, but without having some sort of reference i'm afraid this section is incorrect. If replacing this back into the article, I think that it should say something more like many schools are opting to focus less on the duties of a technician... however even saying that is purely guesswork.

McGarry and Jacobson (JADA feb 2004) identified US reductions. The technical education of dentists has reduced significantly in the UK over the last 40 years which forms some of the rationale for higher levels if education for dental technicians. (user: acadent 9 may 2007)

"Dental technicians are educated to degree level at a post secondary facility. "

• Where does this apply... i'm afraid to say that america is not the only country that produces dental technicians and this blanket statement does not apply to other countries, and possibly even other states. (Bouncingmolar 13:16, 13 February 2007 (UTC))

Ireland. I think throughout Europe, new techs must graduate from third level. The only country I am certain of is Ireland.Dr-G - Illigetimi nil carborundum est. 19:46, 14 February 2007 (UTC)

There are Bachelor of Science degrees in Dental Technology (or equivalent) in many countries including the UK (from 1993), Sweden (from 1993), New Zealand, Germany, South Africa, Lybia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia. There are Masters degree programmes in the UK with a number of PhD studentships ongoing or completed. (user: acadent 9 may 2007)

I also propose to delete this sentence "It could be said that this profession attracts artistic, detail oriented individuals who have a flair for this unique combination of science, art, and digital dexterity". as it is purely opinion and not based on any facts.(Bouncingmolar 13:19, 13 February 2007 (UTC))

[edit] Image needs replacement

Hello all...

An image used in the article, specifically Image:DSCN0126.jpg, has a little bit of a licensing issue. The image was uploaded back when the rules around image uploading were less restrictive. It is presumed that the uploader was willing to license the picture under the GFDL license but was not clear in that regard. As such, the image, while not at risk of deletion, is likely not clearly licensed to allow for free use in any future use of this article. If anyone has an image that can replace this, or can go take one and upload it, it would be best.

You have your mission, take your camera and start clicking.--Jordan 1972 (talk) 01:25, 2 October 2008 (UTC)