FAQ

A dental laboratory produces dental restorations on the order of a dentist. Dental laboratories create dentures, partials, crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances or other dental restorations such as implant crowns.

A dentist sends a specification (or prescription) of the dental restoration to be produced, along with an impression (mold)or digital scan of the patient’s teeth to the dental laboratory to be custom made by a dental laboratory technician.

In essence – Dental laboratory technology is the art and science of manufacturing corrective devices and replacements for natural teeth.

Essentially no state allows a dental laboratory to work directly with a patient – that would be the unlicensed practice of dentistry.  Only a licensed dentist can practice dentistry.  Two exceptions are that some states allow a patient to go to a dental laboratory to match shade and a few states license Denturists.  Denturist are typically required to have a certain numbers of year of school and pass a licensure exam and are generally limited to making dentures.

However, dentistry is governed differently within each state.  State governing board contact information may be found on our website by clicking here.

Dental laboratory technicians are the individuals who create custom made dental restorations for dentists. They can specialize in several areas: orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, complete dentures, partial dentures, ceramics or implants.

Each restoration the technician makes will be different and each must simulate the function of the natural teeth. But, beyond that, the technician’s great challenge is to capture and recreate both the perfection and the imperfection of natural teeth.

This link will direct you to information about what is required to become a dental laboratory technician, and what they do in their everyday jobs: Click here

The Certified Dental Technician (CDT) designation is a great achievement and demonstrates a significant mastery of the knowledge and applied skills needed in dental technology. This is the only voluntary certification program for dental laboratory technicians recognized by the American Dental Association and individuals achieving this designation have demonstrated a competency not all of their peers will achieve.
The CDT designation places the technician among the group of individuals who are at the top of the dental technology profession.

The extensive knowledge gained by the CDT during the required continuing education process assures the laboratory owner, dentist and the patient that this individual is a true student of the profession with a solid commitment to remain at the cutting edge of his or her field.

You can locate a Certified Dental Technician in your area by searching the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology’s (NBC) online Who’s Who Directory here. According to most state laws, laboratories can only accept prescriptions from a licensed dentist, but the patient may find a laboratory that employs Certified Dental Technicians in their area, and call to request the contact information for a dentist they work with.

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 designation 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 US military services.

You can locate a Certified Dental Laboratory in your area by searching the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology’s (NBC) online Who’s Who Directory here. According to most state laws, laboratories can only accept prescriptions from a licensed dentist, but the patient may find a Certified Dental Laboratory in their area, and call to request the contact information for a dentist they work with.

In addition to being a Certified Dental Laboratory, some laboratories are DAMAS certified (Dental Appliance Manufacturers Audit System). To learn more about this program and how it protects patient safety, click here.

You can also locate a DAMAS certified laboratory by clicking on the link here. According to most state laws, laboratories can only accept prescriptions from a licensed dentist, but the patient may find a DAMAS certified laboratory in their area, and call to request the contact information for a dentist they work with.

“What’s in Your Mouth”, by the National Association of Dental Laboratories aims to raise awareness regarding the important role and value of the dental laboratory and a trained and educated dental technician as part of the dental restorative team. Dentists and patients should know where their dental restorations are coming from, who is making them and what materials are used in the process.

This website contains helpful resources and blogs for the dentist and the patient to assist them in learning about the key messages of transparency, standards and dental technician and dental laboratory value in oral health care.

In order for a patient to ensure they are receiving the highest quality care it is important they know what questions to ask their dentist.  Be sure to read the frequently asked questions at http://dentallabs.org/faq/ and check out the four questions to ask your dentist before your next appointment.

Federal HIPAA law gives you the right to receive copies of your health information from your dentist (as well as other doctors and providers) including your dental records and all of the information in your patient file.  Read more at:

• http://askthedentist.com/what-are-my-rights-to-my-dental-health-records/
• https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/righttoaccessmemo.pdf

Because state laws vary with respect to what information a dental laboratory is required to disclose to the dentist and what information dentists are required to record in patient records, it is always best to ask your dentist upfront where your restoration will be made and what materials will be used, before they order your restoration.  Most dentists are happy to provide patients with this information.  If the dentist doesn’t know or is reluctant to tell you, that may be a warning sign and you should consider whether you want to see another dentist.

First provide your dentist the opportunity to address or correct the issue(s).  If unsatisfied with the dentist’s explanation or their attempt to correct the issue(s), consider consulting another dentist for a second opinion.

If after getting a second opinion and speaking with your dentist you are not satisfied that your dentist has made a reasonable effort to resolve your issue, depending on the specifics, you may need to consult an attorney and/or contact your state Board of Dentistry.

Your dentist’s dental laboratory slip, work order or prescription is required to be kept in the patient dental record for a period of years and you have a right to receive a copy of all the information in your patient record.  However, not every state requires the dental laboratory to tell your dentist whether they are making your dental restoration themselves or sending it to another country or another dental laboratory to be made.  This will depend on the law in the state where you received dental care. See the chart at http://dentallabs.org/state-regulation/ for states that require dental laboratories to disclose material content and point of origin to the dentist.

It is always best to ask your dentist upfront where your restoration will be made and what materials will be used, before they order your restoration.  Most dentists are happy to provide you with this information.  If the dentist doesn’t know or is reluctant to tell you, that is a warning sign and you should consider whether you want to see another dentist.

Under federal HIPAA law you have the right to receive copies of your health information from your dentist (as well as other doctors and providers) including your dental records and all of the information in your patient file.  So if the country of origin and/or other information about where your dental restoration was made is included in your patient record, you will be able to obtain that information by requesting a copy of your patient record from your dentist.

Typically dentists are required to include the dental laboratory slip, work order or prescription, which lists the name and address of the dental laboratory that will be receiving it, in the patient’s record.  However, dentistry is primarily regulated by state law and most states do not have any requirements about whether the dental laboratory is required to tell the dentist if they are making your restoration themselves or whether they are sending it to another country to be made.

Information provided by the dental laboratory to the dentist will depend on the law in the state where you received the dental care. See the chart at http://dentallabs.org/state-regulation/ for states that require dental laboratories to disclose material content and point of origin to the dentist.

It is always best for you to ask your dentist upfront where your restoration will be made and what materials will be used, before they order your restoration.   Most dentists are happy to provide you with this information.  If the dentist doesn’t know or is reluctant to tell you, that is a warning sign and you should consider whether you want to see another dentist.  Visit http://dentallabs.org/resources/ for additional resources.