Potential Certified Dental Laboratory (CDL) Information
Certification is the professional standard
in dental laboratory technology.It is the means for the dental
profession, the dental laboratory industry, and all others with an
interest to identify dental technicians and dental laboratories that
have demonstrated their technical qualifications and their commitment
to maintaining high standards in dental technology. Since certification is
voluntary, laboratory certification represents not only compliance with documented
standards but a desire to be an industry leader - a dental laboratory that
takes pride in the quality and professionalism of its products and services.
If your questions are not addressed, please feel free to
contact Elizabeth Langston, CAE at liz@nbccert.org.
CDL Program FAQs
Why
should my laboratory be a CDL? What
benefit will I see?
In the field of dental technology, there are both
technicians and dental laboratory owners/managers who desire to achieve
and be recognized for their advanced levels of professionalism. For
the laboratory owner/manager, the NBC administers the Certified Dental
Laboratory program.
The certification process includes the establishment and enforcement
of peer-defined standards. CDLs must demonstrate compliance with requirements
pertaining to employee safety and education, physical facility equipment
and processes, quality assurance procedures, policies for billing and
re-work circumstances and others. This designation requires stringent
infection control and case management standards with a Certified Dental
Technician overseeing each specialty in the laboratory.
For those laboratories who are CDLs, the certification program offers:
- An incentive to increase quality and efficiency;
- Criteria for maintaining facility and management standards;
- Improved business opportunities;
- Peer recognition; and
- Enhanced professional visibility.
Why should I make sure my doctor clients care?
The CDL is recognized by the National Association
of Dental Laboratories (NADL), the American Dental Association (ADA)
and the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). It also receives
outstanding support and participation from U.S. military services as
well.
Certification is a national program. Since it is
voluntary, it represents not only compliance with documented standards
but a desire to be an industry leader with a commitment to quality
and professionalism.
For those who work with CDLs, certification offers:
- An enhanced perception of the value of laboratory
services;
- Increased respect for extra effort required to obtain and retain
certification;
- Assurance that quality and safety standards are important in
your
laboratory; and
- Confidence that your laboratory offers specific expertise
in the area of
your specialties.
The Certified Dental Laboratory (CDL) provides assurance
that a laboratory has met specific standards relating to quality assurance,
safety, and business and manufacturing practices. By earning and maintaining
the CDL designation, a dental laboratory is always monitoring and attempting
to improve the quality and efficiency of their services and facilities.
How can I encourage my laboratory to be a CDL?
Make sure that your laboratory owners
and managers are aware of the CDL program. Click here to have information sent to them about the CDL Program from the NBC.
What are the requirements
to be a CDL?
To be eligible for certification, a laboratory must be actively engaged in
fabricating prosthetic devices or appliances according to prescriptions or
work authorizations from legally authorized sources. Certification shall apply
only to the applicant laboratory, its facilities and personnel. To be eligible
to become a Certified Dental Laboratory, a laboratory must meet all applicable
standards specified.
The certification process includes the establishment and enforcement of peer-defined
standards. CDLs must demonstrate compliance with requirements pertaining to
employee safety and education, physical facility equipment and processes, quality
assurance procedures, policies for billing and re-work circumstances and others. This designation requires stringent infection control and case management standards
with a Certified Dental Technician overseeing each specialty in the laboratory.
Complete
requirements are provided in the CDL Handbook & Application
How much does it cost?
The initial application costs $200.00 and includes
one Independent Review. Additional reviews, if necessary, cost $50.00
each. Reviews are required if additional photographic documentation
is needed for certification, when additional specialties are added
and if the physical facilities are relocated or remodeled.
Annual Renewal fees are $150.00. Every five years, a Five Year Revalidation
Application must be submitted. This costs $200.00 and includes one Independent
Review and the annual renewal fee for that year.
Late Fees can apply for Renewal and Revalidation Applications. Within one
year the fee is $25.00. Between 1 and two years, the fee is $75.00. After
two years, a laboratory must start over with a new application for certification.
What are the different
specialties available?
A laboratory may seek certification
in up to five specialties, including Complete Dentures, Partial Dentures,
Crown & Bridge, Ceramics
and Orthodontics. In each specialty for which certification is requested,
all work must be done under the supervision of a Certified Dental Technician
or CDTs holding current certification in that specialty. Each CDT may oversee
the technical work of not more than fifteen (15) non-certified technicians
employed in the respective specialty. This ratio assumes the supervisory
CDT is not engaged in production work: as the production responsibilities
of the supervisor increase, the ratio to non-certified technicians should
decrease proportionately. For each specialty, a laboratory is also required
to submit photographic documentation for that specialty area.
How long does it take
to get the CDL certification?
Once the CDL application and all required documentation have been received,
it usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks for the certification review. Results
from the review will be shared with the applicant immediately.
How often do I have to
renew the CDL and what does renewal entail?
The CDL must be renewed annually. As a part of the annual renewal process,
current supervisory CDTs are verified, the ratio of CDTs to other technicians
employed in the specialty area is checked, legal and ethical requirements are
satisfied, information regarding recent infection control training is collected
and a fee of $150 is assessed. Applicants for CDL renewal are also required
to complete a checklist-style self assessment review.
Every five years, a Revalidation Application is required to ensure continual
compliance with the CDL program requirements and new industry safety or regulatory
standards. A Revalidation Application will be sent to your laboratory by NBC
Staff with instructions at least 90 days before it is due. The revalidation
process is similar to the initial application process. CDLs must demonstrate
ongoing compliance with CDL requirements. The cost is $200.00 and includes
one Independent Review and the annual renewal fee for that year.
Is this the same as DAMAS?
No. The CDL Program has a greater focus on the safety
of workers and the physical facilities of the laboratory. The DAMAS
Program allows the laboratory to evidence to its dental clients its
focus on patient safety in regard to the manufacturing process and
traceability of materials. The CDL Program is a great step towards
completing the DAMAS Program.
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