The DLA: a brief history

The DLA began as a division of the Surgical Instrument Manufacturers Association, and became a separate entity in 1961. The first meeting of the DLA Council took place in London on 18th September that year. The administration was provided by Hughes Allan - a firm of accountants - and the first Secretary was John Wrench.

In 1977 Nottingham lab owner Trevor Roadley was appointed as Secretary, first part-time but soon to become full time. Operating initially at his laboratory and then in the DLA's first premises (a small shop), Trevor gradually built up the range of member services and heightened the standing of the DLA in the eyes of the dental community.

The DLA moved to larger premises in Nottingham in 1986, a converted chapel that was being used as a dental laboratory. At this stage the DLA had approximately 400 members. In 1987 Bill Courtney took over as Secretary. Like Trevor before him, Bill was a dental laboratory owner and member of the DLA Council.

By now the DLA was a recognised and respected member of the dental world and regularly met with organisations such as the General Dental Council, British Dental Association, the Department of Health and many others. These close business relationships continue to this day and the DLA has presented evidence to the Health Select Committee at the House of Commons on the challenges faced by the industry.

The DLA was instrumental in the setting up of the Dental Technicians Education and Training Advisory Board (DTETAB). The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the emergence of the Medical Devices Directive and the introduction of Quality Systems to the industry. The DLA worked hard to establish an industry-led standard. The first example of this was a system based on BS 5750 called the Certification Authority for Dental Laboratories and Suppliers (CADLAS), which is still operating as AMTAC MEDICA and is now audited to ISO9002. With the lessons learned in setting up CADLAS, a new system called the Dental Appliance Manufacturers Audit Scheme (DAMAS) was launched in 1998. This is based around ISO 9000 and also addresses the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR).

By now the Association membership had risen to over 900 and the DLA moved into new offices at Arboretum Gate in February 1997. In May 2001 the Association moved to their current offices on Wollaton Road, Beeston in Nottingham.

The early years of the 21st century have seen many more changes, including the retirement of Bill Courtney and appointment of Richard Daniels as Chief Executive. Membership has passed the 1,000 mark, and we are building an important profile as a campaigning organisation with appearances across the media.