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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dental Technology00:31 Early Career and Training03:01 Transition to Hospital Work05:17 Challenges in Commercial Laboratories06:29 Business Skills and Education16:01 Impact of Education Changes17:51 Hospital vs. Commercial Work19:50 Apprenticeships and Education26:32 The Future of Dental Technology35:41 Orthognathic Surgery and Digital Dentures41:12 The Changing Landscape of Dental Technology46:11 The Impact of Digitalization01:10:44 The Personal Journey and Advice for Young Dental TechniciansMusic Licenced from Premium Beats. Licence ID: N7A69UNBLBBSE0S4