13 - From 16-70: A Life in Dental Technology with Rowland Gardner

Rowland Gardner is the **Head of Dental & Maxillofacial Technology** at King’s College Hospital, Gillies Unit Sidcup, bringing over **54 years of experience in Dentistry** across orthodontic technology, orthognathic planning, and implant‑retained prosthodontics. A skilled clinical practitioner in removable prosthodontics and therapy devices, he also spent **15 years as Lecturer and Principal Tutor** at Guy’s Dental Hospital, teaching all dental technology specialities. He holds advanced qualifications including **Cert Ed (Dist)** and **Dip CDT RCS (Eng)**, is a member of the **Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists** and the **College of General Dentistry**, and is a double award‑winner at the **2013 FMC Laboratory Awards**. With **15 years’ departmental leadership** at Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup, Rowland continues to uphold excellence, innovation, and honour within the profession. The conversation covers the journey of Roland Gardner in dental technology, from early career and training to the challenges and opportunities in the field. It explores the impact of education changes, the future of dental technology, and the transition to digital dentures and orthognathic surgery. The conversation delves into the evolution of dental technology, the impact of digitalization, and the personal journey and advice for young dental technicians. It provides insights into the changing landscape of dental technology, the challenges and opportunities presented by digitalization, and the personal experiences and advice from a seasoned dental technician. Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Dental Technology - 00:31 Early Career and Training - 03:01 Transition to Hospital Work - 05:17 Challenges in Commercial Laboratories - 06:29 Business Skills and Education - 16:01 Impact of Education Changes - 17:51 Hospital vs. Commercial Work - 19:50 Apprenticeships and Education - 26:32 The Future of Dental Technology - 35:41 Orthognathic Surgery and Digital Dentures - 41:12 The Changing Landscape of Dental Technology - 46:11 The Impact of Digitalization - 01:10:44 The Personal Journey and Advice for Young Dental Technicians Music Licenced from Premium Beats. Licence ID: N7A69UNBLBBSE0S4