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.

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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.

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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.

The association also attends the Dental Trade Shows and provides speakers for the lecture programme. Our trade stand is a welcome base for current members to congregate and have a chat and where new members are encouraged to join.

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.

History of The OTA

Thirteen orthodontic technicians attended the meeting and it was agreed that such an association should be formed. From this meeting, a steering committee was organised.

Len Bradshaw became the first chairman and Bert Aldridge the first secretary. Other committee members included P. Chittenden, H. Close, J. Ford, J. Griffin and H. Haringman.

During the first four meetings aims and objectives of the association were decided and in March 1972 a letter and questionnaire were sent to dental schools, hospital orthodontic departments and county council dental laboratories. As an act of confidence each committee member together with E. Cripps, H. Essinger, A. Wing and G. Wisker contributed to a launching fund to cover the costs of stationery, printing and postage.

In July 1972 a letter together with an application form and the comments received from the original replies were sent out inviting orthodontic technicians to apply for membership.

During the meetings that followed, the Constitution was written and the first OTA conference was planned and subsequently held in London during April 1973.

Conferences have regularly been held ever since at venues across the UK and the number of attending delegates has steadily increased over the years, as has the membership of the association.

The link with our clinical colleagues has also been strong since the inception of the association. This is in part maintained by inviting prominent orthodontists to serve as presidents of the association.

The OTA has also been an affiliate organisation of the British Orthodontic Society since it was formed in 1994.

In 1999, the first British Orthodontic Society technicians award was established in collaboration with the Orthodontic Technicians Association. This was first awarded in 2000 and continues to be awarded annually at the OTA conference. In 2003 another award was created, The British Orthodontic Society Award to an Orthodontic Technician for Distinguished Service.

The relationship between the OTA and the BOS was strengthened further in 2010 with a closer affiliation which would see the two organisations sharing membership services and the registered address of 12 Bridewell Place in the City of London.

The OTA Council

Bill Ip

President

Contact me about the management of the OTA and the British Orthodontic Society.

Bill qualified in Liverpool and worked in general practice before moving into the hospital service. After posts in Merseyside and the West Midlands, he ended up in Newcastle-upon-Tyne where he has been a Consultant at the Dental Hospital for over a decade.

He has been involved with the training of dental students, postgraduate specialists, orthodontic therapists, laboratory technicians and has been the programme director for the orthodontic nursing course. In 2018 he was awarded Membership of the Faculty of Dental Trainers. He is an examiner for Newcastle University and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Bill has also served on committees to promote the profession with roles including the Vice-chair of the BDA Central Committee for Hospital Dental Services, Chair of the Northern BDA Hospital Group, South Birmingham BDA Branch Chairman, Chair of the Training Grades Group of the BOS, Treasurer of the BOS University Teachers Group and now, for the OTA.

Realising that his life revolved too much around work, Bill recently decided to go part-time. And ended up with more work in specialist practice! Fortunately, he still has time to enjoy Argentine Tango and to prepare for the yearly Great North Run.