Patients often seek assurances about their dentist’s qualifications, frequently leading to questions about board certification. The desire for safe and competent care drives this search for professional achievement. However, the ability to legally practice dentistry and the attainment of voluntary advanced recognition are two distinct concepts. Understanding the difference between these credentials helps patients make informed choices.
Licensure Versus Board Certification
Every dentist practicing legally in the United States must hold an active state license, a mandatory requirement confirming basic competency and legal standing. State boards of dentistry set these requirements, which typically include graduating from a CODA-accredited dental school and passing a national written examination (such as the INBDE). Most jurisdictions also require a clinical assessment.
A dentist who is not board certified is still fully licensed by the state and legally qualified to treat patients. Licensure ensures the dentist has met the minimum educational, examination, and ethical standards necessary to safely provide general dental care to the public. State boards also oversee the dentist’s legal standing and can take disciplinary action if necessary, providing a fundamental level of patient protection.
Board certification, conversely, is a voluntary process that goes beyond the requirements for state licensure. It is an elective step taken after a dentist has already obtained their license to practice. This credential is not a prerequisite for practicing general dentistry, which means that the majority of qualified, practicing general dentists have chosen not to pursue it.
What Advanced Certification Signifies
Board certification signifies a dentist’s commitment to a higher level of expertise and professional development in a specific field. This credential is most common among dental specialists, such as orthodontists, endodontists, or pediatric dentists. Specialty-specific boards, like the American Board of Dental Specialties (ABDS), oversee this rigorous process.
To become board certified, a dentist must complete a series of challenging steps beyond their initial dental degree and licensure. This often involves completing approved post-graduate training, submitting complex clinical cases for peer review, and passing both comprehensive written and oral examinations. For general dentists, organizations like the American Board of General Dentistry (ABGD) offer certification that emphasizes advanced knowledge, sound clinical judgment, and evidence-based care across the full scope of general practice.
Maintaining certified status requires a commitment to lifelong learning, typically through ongoing continuing education and periodic recertification. Recertification, often required every few years, ensures the dentist remains current with the latest techniques and scientific evidence. This voluntary commitment demonstrates dedication to professional excellence and provides confidence in the dentist’s knowledge and skill.
Making an Informed Decision
A dentist’s lack of board certification simply means they have not completed this voluntary, advanced credentialing step. The first and most important step for any patient is to verify the dentist holds an active state license, which can be done through the state board of dentistry’s online verification system. This mandatory check confirms the dentist is legally and competently able to provide care.
For routine general dentistry, such as cleanings, fillings, and basic restorative work, a valid state license is usually sufficient evidence of competence. However, for complex procedures that fall under a recognized specialty, the presence of board certification can serve as an extra assurance of verified expertise in that specific area.
When choosing a dentist, patients should consider factors beyond certification, including years of experience, reputation, and patient reviews. It is also worthwhile to ask the dentist about their specific experience with the procedure needed and their continuing education history. Ultimately, the decision should balance mandatory legal qualification (licensure) with a comfort level based on the dentist’s proven experience and the complexity of the required treatment.