BACKGROUND

NADL University was developed to meet the growing educational needs of today’s dental laboratory managers.  The program allows eligible professionals to earn a Certificate in Dental Laboratory Management during a one-week intensive course of study.  The impetus for this program came out of strategic planning efforts of the National Association of Dental Laboratories. The need for qualified managers in the dental laboratory industry was identified as one of the top 5 issues currently impacting the industry.

WHAT WILL PARTICIPANTS LEARN DURING THE PROGRAM?

The curriculum will cover functional areas of business and the integration
of those functional areas. As a result, students will gain an understanding
of the enterprise as a whole, as well as the ways in which all parts of the
business fit together.  The specific courses in the program are: Marketing; Personnel Management; Production Standards; Quality Assurance Standards; Profitability and Operating Ratios; Purchasing and Inventory Control; Product Development; Technology Utilization

PROGRAM LENGTH

The program requires a commitment of one full week of time away (starting
on a Sunday evening and ending on a Friday afternoon). This is the only time that students will be away from home and the office. There will be some additional preparatory time prior to attending the program.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS

In order to qualify for admission to NADL University, an individual must
meet one of the following:

• Graduated from an accredited or non accredited dental laboratory
technology program and worked in the dental laboratory field for at
least one year
• Worked in the dental laboratory field for at least three years
• Worked in a related health care field for at least five years

Additionally, tuition for the program must be paid in full along with the application.

PROGRAM COSTS
The cost of the program reflects the high level of quality that the program delivers and the support services that reduce the hassle of attending multiple

weeks of instruction. The costs for employees of NADL member dental
laboratories is $1,900.00 for the full week program. Non-members can apply
for admission at the rate of $2,800.00 per employee. Travel and lodging costs
are also the responsibility of participants. Two meals a day are provided to
participants within the tuition costs.

ONSITE EXPECTATIONS

NADL University offers students a challenging, stimulating learning
experience that maximizes a return on their investment of time and resources.
Participants will work in teams during the program, strengthening their
networking skills and broadening their perspectives on business and
problem solving. Students will greatly benefit from the extensive collective
professional experience of other students in their class.

VALUE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE INDUSTRY

The graduates of NADL University can expect to transform their professional career in the industry.  Graduates of the program will gain a sophisticated level of knowledge and skill on diverse aspects of management, including strategic thinking and planning in a global competitive environment. Students will be able to take what they learn in the classroom and immediately apply it on the job within their dental laboratory. Other practical benefits include:

• Improved critical thinking skills
• Tools to understand the theory behind the practice
• Increased confidence and motivation
• Ability to apply best practices
• Perspective of global business that expands the possibilities
• Knowledge of the business as a whole
• Long-lasting competitive edge
• Greater ability to lead a team and to work within a team
• Enhanced communication skills
• Building a nationwide peer networking group

The inaugural program of NADL University is slated for December 4-9, 2005.
If you are interesting in receiving an application to participate, please download the NADL University Information Form and return to NADL by August 15, 2005.