Certified Dental Laboratory (CDL) General Information
Certification in the dental laboratory profession
is voluntary. Laboratories
who have taken the extra steps to become certified represent the top of
their field. CDLs have documented not only compliance with peer-defined
standards but a desire to stay in the forefront of the industry. A Certified
Dental Laboratory takes pride in the quality and professionalism of its
products and services.
A laboratory may seek certification in
up to five specialties, including Complete Dentures, Partial Dentures,
Crown & Bridge, Ceramics
and Orthodontics.
To maintain certification, a CDL must
renew annually and report any changes in the number of laboratory personnel
or facilities. A complete review is required every five years to ensure
continual compliance with the CDL program requirements.
If your questions are not addressed below, please
feel free to contact Elizabeth Langston, CAE at liz@nbccert.org.
CDL Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CDL?
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.
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.
Why should I make sure my dentist uses a CDL?
Dental laboratories in the United States are not required to be certified.
The CDL program creates a means for dental professionals and members of the
public to identify dental laboratories which meet specific standards. If your
dentist uses a CDL, you can have the confidence of knowing that your laboratory:
- has regular infection control training and good infection control
procedures
- ensures adequate supervision of fabricating technicians
- upholds quality and safety standards
- maintains records of brand specific products they use
- meets or exceeds government regulations
- has a written re-make policy
- uses an alloy labeling system so you can know what's in your mouth
- offers area-specific expertise
The CDL Program does not warrant the efficacy or acceptability of restorations
or appliances fabricated in Certified Dental Laboratories. Experience shows,
however, that laboratories which submit to voluntary certification are at the
forefront of their profession.
FAQs
As a dentist, why should I care if my laboratory is a CDL?
As a dentist, it is crucial that you are providing quality products and services
to your patients. By using a CDL, you are assured - and can reassure your
patients - that the laboratory making their appliances:
- has regular infection control training and good infection control
procedures
- ensures adequate supervision of fabricating technicians
- upholds quality and safety standards
- maintains records of brand specific products they use
- meets or exceeds government regulations
- has a written re-make policy
- uses an alloy labeling system so you can know what's in your mouth
- offers area-specific expertise.
Dental laboratories in the United States are not required
to be certified. The CDL program creates a means for dental professionals
and members of the public to identify dental laboratories which meet
specific standards. If you would like to request informational materials
for your dental office and patients, send a request by clicking here. <<preferably a form, but an email link
is okay if necessary>>
The CDL Program does not warrant the efficacy or acceptability of restorations
or appliances fabricated in Certified Dental Laboratories. Experience shows,
however, that laboratories which submit to voluntary certification are at the
forefront of their profession.
FAQs
How can I encourage my laboratory to be a CDL?
Talk to your laboratory about the CDL Program. If
you'd like to click here and provide an
address, NBC will send information to them about the CDL Program.
FAQs
How does the CDL ensure that CDLs stay current?
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 and information regarding recent
infection control training is collected. Applicants for CDL renewal also complete
a self-assessment review to assist with identifying any areas that may need
improvement.
Every five years, a Revalidation Application is required to ensure continual
compliance with the CDL program requirements and new industry safety or regulatory
standards. The revalidation process is similar to the initial application
process and requires physical that is reviewed by a third-party to ensure complete
compliance.
FAQs
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. Different documentation is required depending on the
specialty area of the certification.
FAQs
Is the CDL Program the same as DAMAS?
No. The CDL Program has a greater focus on the safety of workers and the
physical facilities of the laboratory itself. 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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