The IdentAlloy Program was created in 1986 by progressive dental materials manufacturers who understood the need to self-regulate the explosive growth in new restorative materials. As the field of restorative dentistry expanded, the increase in the number and types of alloys and other restorative materials created a sometimes bewildering market of choice for laboratories and dentists. The major alloy manufacturers agreed that some standardization of materials and claims would enable alloy users to make an educated choice of materials. The manufacturers worked in partnership with the ADA to create specific alloy classification categories, and formed the IdentAlloy Council to implement the classification guidelines. Adapting easily recognizable alloy composition symbols, IdentAlloy began operation issuing its now-familiar High Noble, Noble and Predominantly Base IdentAlloy Certificates to acceptable alloys.
Rules for participation were simple, but strict. Manufacturers wishing to participate in the IdentAlloy Program supplied documentation that they were voluntarily abiding by the ADA-sanctioned guidelines determining alloy content. High noble alloys had to be at least 60% noble metal, with 40% gold. Noble alloys had to contain at least 25% noble metal. As each alloy was accepted into the program, the manufacturer was presented with custom IdentAlloy Certificate stickers to include with each alloy shipment - featuring the brand name, manufacturer's name, alloy composition, and most importantly, the classification. The certificates were provided as permanent records of alloy documentation to all dental laboratories and dental offices using the alloys.
The immediate response to the IdentAlloy Program was overwhelmingly positive, with glowing reviews from all corners including Dr. Gordon Christensen's venerable CRA newsletter, which rated the IdentAlloy Program "Excellent." The program was likewise endorsed by the National Association of Dental Laboratories, Dental Laboratory Conference, and Health Insurance Institute of America.
Today this independent certification system continues to provide the only commercial oversight of restorative materials, distributing value-added educational and record-keeping services free of charge to dental laboratories and practices. Approximately 90% of the precious metal alloys used in the U.S. are registered with the IdentAlloy Program and carry IdentAlloy Certificates.