The question of whether a dentist should be board certified addresses the difference between the legal permission to practice and a voluntary commitment to higher professional standards. A license is a mandatory requirement granted by state authorities, but board certification is an advanced credential that signifies a dentist has met rigorous benchmarks beyond basic training. Understanding this distinction helps patients evaluate a provider’s qualifications, recognizing that certified dentists have often demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skill. This guide will clarify the two different types of credentials and explain why one may choose a dentist who has pursued this additional level of professional recognition.
Understanding Licensure and Certification
Licensure is the foundational, legal requirement that every practicing dentist must possess to treat patients within a specific state. This baseline authorization is granted by the state board of dentistry and ensures the practitioner meets a minimum level of competency. To obtain a license, a candidate must graduate from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and successfully complete a clinical assessment.
The state’s dental practice act governs this process, which is designed to protect the public by verifying a dentist has the necessary education and skills. A license confirms minimum competence but does not necessarily reflect advanced expertise or proficiency. Board certification is a voluntary program pursued after licensure, serving as an advanced credential that demonstrates mastery in a specialty or area of practice.
What Achieving Board Certification Requires
The board certification process sets a standard of excellence above the completion of dental school. Achieving certification typically involves an extensive, multi-step process that can take several years after earning the initial dental degree. Candidates often must complete accredited residency training, submit a portfolio of complex clinical cases for peer review, and pass comprehensive written and oral examinations.
Certification is granted by a recognized national board, such as the American Board of Prosthodontics, not the state licensing board. This status is not permanent; dentists must participate in continuous education and periodic re-examinations, known as Maintenance of Certification (MOC), usually every ten years. This ongoing requirement ensures the certified dentist remains current with the latest technology, research, and evolving clinical standards in their field.
Certification for General Dentists Versus Specialists
The expectation of board certification differs significantly between dental specialists and general dentists. For the twelve specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, such as orthodontics, endodontics, or periodontics, board certification is the standard for professional validation. These specialists spend two to four additional years in advanced residency training, and obtaining board certification demonstrates they have successfully completed the highest level of peer-reviewed validation in their focused discipline.
For general dentists, board certification is available but is less common. While they provide a broad range of services, this certification, often through the American Board of General Dentistry, is a marker of exceptional professional commitment. A general dentist who pursues this credential has gone beyond the requirements for licensure, usually by completing an accredited post-doctoral residency or achieving a Mastership status involving significant continuing education.
Checking a Dentist’s Credentials
Patients can easily verify a dentist’s status by using publicly accessible resources. To confirm legal authorization to practice, one should check the website of the state board of dentistry, where licensure status is maintained and updated. These state sites provide official verification that the dentist is licensed and will also list any public disciplinary actions against the license.
Verifying board certification requires checking with the specific national specialty board that granted the credential. While board certification is a strong indicator of a dentist’s dedication and expertise, it is one element of the decision-making process. Patients should also consider personal comfort, the dentist’s experience with specific procedures, and positive patient reviews when selecting a dental provider.