NO wonder Robert Carey is sporting a broad smile.

He has just qualified as a clinical dental technician (CDT), which should bolster the business he has run for the past three years.

The 35-year-old launched his own Hollins Dental Laboratory in Bury New Road, Whitefield, after working for other similar companies in the same sphere.

The main benefit of his new qualification is that he will now be able to operate directly with patients. Previously, his laboratory work only involved referrals from the area’s dentists. A dental technician is not qualified to supply dentures direct to the public, but a clinical dental technician is.

Robert, who has 18 years of experience in his field, now boasts a London Royal College of Surgeons certificate to mark his clinical dental technician qualification. The two-and-a-half year course involved such aspects as medical emergencies, infection control and other associated skills.

He can now carry out denture work via dentists’ prescriptions as well being able to work on his own.

Robert said: “I had been mentored by a local dentist but now I am able to practise solely with the patient. This means that patients now have the choice of going to see a dentist or a CDT like myself for the provision of their dentures.

“The main benefit of being a clinical dental technician is that I can now work one-to-one with patients, giving them a more direct and personalised service.”

He added: “Sitting with the patient I can find out any complaints they have with their existing dentures. I prefer working on this basis so I can provide them with exactly what they need. Having a surgery and laboratory all under one roof enables me to provide a bespoke service.”

Further good news is that Robert could win national recognition because he has been nominated and shortlisted for the National Laboratory Awards.

Hollins Dental Laboratory offers a free consultation, including out-of-hours and home visits. Services embrace conventional dentures, which are individually handcrafted, implant retained dentures, new dentures in 48 hours service, plus dental repairs and relines Robert will still be serving local dentists by continuing to fulfil dental prescription work.

Visit hollinsdental laboratory.co.uk