One of the most important considerations in any health endeavor is that all the tools, tasks, and facilities meet proper regulations. After all, these regulations and requirements are in place to ensure that patients are completely safe and that dentists are correctly executing dental procedures. 

This is why there are many certifying bodies in the field of dentistry.

It is not just the professionals that get certified, but dental laboratories and dental facilities as well. In this article, we are going to talk about these certifications to help you understand the industry and your legal responsibilities as the manager of a dental practice. 

The Different Certifying Bodies

The National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology (NBC) hosts two programs: the Certified Dental Technician (CDT) and the Certified Dental Laboratory (CDL). The National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), on the other hand, is in charge of the Dental Appliance Manufacturers Audit System (DAMAS). It is also important to note that the CDT program is the only one of its kind recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).

These entities and certifications regulate the profession by ensuring that only qualified professionals, equipment, and facilities are used in the industry. Dental professionals must have the right skill levels and expertise, equipment must be fully safe and reliable, and laboratories must be properly equipped and perfectly sterile. 

The CDT License

To qualify for this license, a dental technician must demonstrate the right skill level and knowledge through both written examinations and practical tests. They are required to participate in 12 hours of continuing education yearly to retain their status. In essence, a dental technician must continually develop their skills and knowledge for the entirety of their careers.

The CDL Certification

Under this certification, a dental laboratory must have adequate sterilization, properly trained personnel, the right equipment, and one Certified Dental Technician to manage it. Not only is the CDL recognized by the NADL, but also the ADA, American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), and various US Military Services. 

Under regulations in the USA, dental technicians do not need a license to practice—at least, not in most states. Only Kentucky, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida require at least one certified technician in the dental laboratory for it to be legally viable for operation. 

DAMAS, on the other hand, was designed to reflect similar standards set by the US FDA’s Quality System/Good Manufacturing Practice (QS/GMP) regulations. Under its policies, a laboratory must manage its data to the highest standards. This includes prescriptions, authorizations, supplier agreements, equipment purchases and management, employee training, and so on. 

All these can come together to create a top-notch dental practice. While some of these are not necessary in every US state, they can still raise the credibility of your practice in the field.

Final thoughts

When it comes to running a dental practice, it is important to ensure that it is running at the highest capacity and to the best standards. Not only is it meant to ensure your practice remains in good standing, but it will also ensure that your patients and staff are fully safe. At the end of the day, safety is not something you can compromise on.

If you’re looking for dental laboratories near you, give us a call at Vitality Tech LLC. Our lab is open to help with any emergency case. We also produce the highest quality materials using the most advanced technology.