Dental Laboratory Associations

Dental laboratories employ dental laboratory technicians to manufacture oral equipment and products to dentists. A dental laboratory technician fills a dentist's prescription order by producing crowns, dentures and implants to specifications based on mold impressions. Dental laboratories join in with national associations to spread knowledge about the work that laboratory technicians do, while gaining awareness concerning new and advanced dental technological equipment.

National Association of Dental Laboratories

• The National Association of Dental Laboratories became established in a Chicago merger between the American Dental Laboratory Association and the Dental Laboratory Institute of America in 1951, according to the NADL website. The National Association of Dental Laboratories sponsors programs and services to its members concerning the technical, educational and professional business aspects of the dental laboratory industry.

Midwest Dental Laboratory Association

• The Midwest Dental Laboratory Association services members who are located in states such as Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska. The association consists of individual technicians, labs and suppliers of products and services. Its mission is to advance dental operational standards for the industry, cooperation between its members, and spread education concerning dental technicians engaged in prosthetic techniques.

Western States Conference Inc.

• Formed in 2000, the Western States Conference Incorporation is a non-profit organization devoted to spreading educational opportunities to promote dental advancement. Associations in 11 states work together to spread conference information concerning lab technicians and how to take technical or professional courses. The Western States Conference Incorporation consists of three trustees and the 11 association members.

American Dental Association

• The American Dental Association was established in 1895 and remains the premier source of oral health information. It is the largest and oldest dental organization in the world and has over 157,000 members in the United States. The American Dental Association promotes public knowledge concerning oral health and ethical standards.