What is the Dental Technicians International Association?
The Dental Technicians International Association (DTIA) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to define and promote the accomplishments of Dental Technician Professionals, and to increase awareness of the profession of Dental Technology, whose passion and commitment is to serve society through the creation of dental prosthetics. Based in the Niagara Region of Canada, the DTIA is the first association of its kind that serves the global community of dental technicians.
Why do we need another association for dental technicians?
The DTIA was developed out of an expressed need by dental technicians around the world for a forum to call "home", through which they can further the particular interests of the dental technician profession. While registered Dental Technicians in the Western world (e.g. Canada, USA, Germany, the UK, and others) have strong representation and support through various laboratory and dental technology associations, there are dental technicians in other parts of the world who do not have the benefit of a structured community. There are also unregistered dental technicians worldwide with no voice, and have no association to call their own. As an international association, the DTIA seeks to fill a need that, while it may not be prevalent in several countries, certainly exists in other parts of the world.
What is the intent of the DTIA?
The DTIA intends to complement and work in harmony with the various dental laboratory and dental technology associations around the world, with a goal of cooperation rather than competition. The International Association seeks to foster, encourage, maximize and simplify communication between Dental Technology Professionals around the world by providing cost effective communication systems. The DTIA provides a forum for members to share photos, challenges, successes, opportunities, and lifestyles, and to build upon the pride, respect and recognition Dental Technician Professionals deserve. The DTIA also facilitates opportunities for networking, worldwide communication, education, and shared resources to assist dental technicians in their quest to build and maintain successful, well-rounded careers.
Is the DTIA a Union for Dental Technicians?
No. It is not a lobbying body seeking to represent the profession of dental technology to dentistry or government. Nor is it a foundation for a union or organized labour for dental technicians.
How does the DTIA define a Dental Technician professional?
See our Vision and Mission statements.
If I am not a Dental Technician Professional, can I still become a member of the DTIA?
Yes. There are four different membership levels; Bronze is for students and support staff, Silver is for commercial dental laboratories, Gold membership is for Dental Technician Professionals, and the Platinum membership is for corporations, associations, and educational institutions.
Will each country have the opportunity to be represented through the DTIA?
Yes. In addition to having an international board of directors, the DTIA is structured so each country will have its own chapter with a board of directors. A representative from the country board will have a seat on the international board.
How will we know our country and the DTP's are properly represented?
The majority of the international board will be made up of recognized accredited professionals (such as RDTs in Canada). The second largest group will consist of dental technician educators currently teaching, or retired from teaching. However, to ensure all stakeholders are represented, there will be a place for other recognized associations, lab owners, manufacturers, and dentists to be represented on each board. Interested parties from your country are invited to apply for board membership in any of these categories.
What is DTIA's current organizational status?
The laws of Canada do not require the DTIA to become incorporated as a Not for Profit organization; however, the DTIA is currently working towards becoming an incorporated not-for-profit in keeping with Canadian legal requirements for incorporation. To that end, the DTIA is currently in the process of finalizing the membership for its International Advisory Board, which is a legal requirement under provincial and federal legislation.
What are the Next Steps in the Process for Incorporation?
Once the International Advisory Board is finalized, the association must define the articles of incorporation, as must develop bylaws for the association’s governance.
What's in it for me if I join the DTIA?
Through its website, www.dtia.net, the DTIA will provide cost effective communication systems for dental technicians to participate in online forums, to share photographs of their family's special interests and expert work, to discuss challenges, best practices, successes, and opportunities. There are opportunities for training and education for the dental technology industry, discounts for full members to education and networking events, and access to the "Members Only" section of the DTIA website.
What kinds of Networking Events are available through the DTIA?
The first of the DTIA's annual meetings will take place July 19th - 21st in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is open to dental technicians, dental technology educators and students, laboratories, and other dental or lab associations. This annual event is scheduled to be held in Niagara, Canada for the next 5 years, at which time an alternative location may be considered. Other regional or country meetings may take place as live events, or via web or tele-conferencing.
Where are DTIA members located?
The DTIA is receiving global attention, with members attending the first annual meeting from over 10 countries, including India, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, the United States of America, Canada, Guatemala, Libya, Russia, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Who are the founding members of the DTIA?
The DTIA was conceived of by Reginald Goulding, President of Dental Career Services and Smile Science Leadership Institute. With 25 years of experience serving the dental technology industry, Reg has a true passion for the profession of dental technology, and often claims to be a "dental technician in his heart". Through DCS and Smile Science, Reg has had contact with technicians from all over the world, asking for a vehicle to fill their needs for support, communication, education, and resources. Reg has instilled his vision for the DTIA in the minds of the DCS/Smile Science Team, and many of the staff volunteer time and energy to assist with the launch of the DTIA. Other founding members include Karen Martin, a specialist in international affairs, and a Certified Business Counsellor through APEC (the Asia Pacific Economic Corporation), and Hugo Silva, Vice President of International Business for Dental Career Services.
Who is Participating on the International Advisory Board?
The names of the international advisory board will be published as the board develops.
How can I Get Involved with the DTIA?
There are several ways to get involved with the DTIA.
- Become a Member. You can take advantage of the free membership, or upgrade to a Plus Level membership for additional benefits.
- Attend the first annual "Leadership in Motion" 3-day workshop from July 19 to 21, 2007. Take advantage of the opportunity to network with dental technicians, laboratory owners, suppliers, and manufacturers from around the world, expand your business horizons, and enjoy all the Niagara Region has to offer.
- If you believe in the vision and guiding principles of the DTIA, and want to play a part in forging the future of the profession of dental technology, please let your name stand for membership in the International Board.
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