Certification
in the dental laboratory profession is voluntary. Laboratories who
have taken the extra steps to become certified have documented compliance
with industry-defined standards and a desire to stay in the forefront
of the dental laboratory profession. 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 and relevancy. 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.
How
can I teach my dentist clients about CDLs?
The
new CDL program has specified that a portion of fee revenues be used
to develop marketing packages focused towards dentists. You can
greatly assist the NBC with this marketing initiative through your
personal relationships. If you would like to request informational
materials for your dental office and patients, send
a request by clicking here.
The
following can also assist with CDL Program marketing:
Give
your dentist a Certificate for in-office display, stating that his/her
office uses a CDL. Certificate templates are available
for you to customize and print out.If
you'd, prefer, they are also available for purchase in a pre-printed format.
Provide
informational materials for your dentists to use in their waiting
rooms. If you would like the NBC to send materials for your dental
clients, send
a request by clicking here. They
will have a greater impact if you deliver them, but the NBC can mail
them if you prefer.
The
modernization efforts have been designed to strengthen and increase the value
of the CDL program by better meeting the needs of the industry. A marketing
program has been created and the NBC has created a means to ensure that the
CDL program maintains its' integrity and stays relevant for today's rapidly
evolving dental laboratory industry.
How
is the CDL Program different than DAMAS?
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 trace ability of materials. The CDL Program
is a great step towards completing the DAMAS Program.
