A non-board certified dentist is a licensed dental professional who has not pursued or attained the voluntary, advanced credentialing offered by a national specialty board. This distinction is often misunderstood by the public, who correctly assume all practitioners must be licensed to operate. Understanding this difference helps clarify the varying levels of training and expertise within the profession. The credentials a dentist holds offer insight into their commitment to specialized knowledge and peer-reviewed standards of care.
The Difference Between Licensing and Certification
A fundamental distinction exists between mandatory state licensing required for all dentists and the optional board certification. Licensing is a government function, overseen by the State Dental Board, which grants legal permission to practice in a specific state. To receive a license, a dentist must graduate from an accredited dental school, pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), and complete a clinical assessment. This process demonstrates minimum competency for general practice. The license confirms the practitioner has met the baseline educational and testing requirements mandated by the state.
In contrast, board certification is a voluntary achievement that goes beyond licensure. It is granted by independent, national specialty boards, such as the American Board of Prosthodontics, not by the state. This credential signifies an elevated level of expertise and proficiency in a specific area of dentistry. While a license permits practice, certification attests to mastery of a specialty, as evaluated by peers.
The Rigorous Process of Board Certification
The path to board certification is an extensive, multi-year process undertaken after a dentist obtains their state license. This journey begins with the completion of an accredited, advanced education program or residency in a recognized specialty, lasting between two to six years. This intensive training provides the specialized knowledge and clinical experience needed to treat complex cases.
The certification process is managed by the specialty board and requires the candidate to pass a comprehensive written examination. This initial phase tests the dentist’s foundational and advanced knowledge of the specialty’s scientific and clinical literature. Upon passing, the dentist must complete a rigorous oral examination before a panel of certified experts. This final phase includes a detailed presentation and defense of the candidate’s clinical cases, allowing the board to assess real-world judgment and treatment outcomes. To maintain this status, certified dentists must engage in ongoing professional development, including continuing education and periodic re-evaluation.
What Not Being Certified Means for Specialists
When a dentist claims to focus on a particular area, such as orthodontics or endodontics, but is not board certified, they have not completed the highest level of peer-reviewed validation. The American Dental Association (ADA) officially recognizes 12 dental specialties. Completing an accredited residency in one of these areas allows a practitioner to use the protected specialty title, such as “Prosthodontist.” However, residency completion does not automatically grant board certification, which is an additional, voluntary step.
For a specialist, being non-certified indicates they have met the educational requirements to be called a specialist but have not demonstrated mastery through the demanding examination process. The certification process confirms that the specialist’s knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment meet the highest national standards within their field. For areas not formally recognized by the ADA as specialties, such as cosmetic dentistry or implantology, any licensed dentist can claim to focus on them. However, board certification from a non-ADA recognized board provides a similar level of external, peer-reviewed assessment.
How Patients Can Check a Dentist’s Status
Patients can easily verify a dentist’s status using public resources provided by regulatory and certifying bodies. Licensing status, which is mandatory for all practicing dentists, can be checked directly through the State Dental Board website for the state where the dentist practices. These websites offer a license lookup tool that confirms the practitioner is legally permitted to practice and may disclose any public disciplinary actions.
To check for voluntary board certification, patients must use the specific specialty board’s website. For example, a patient can visit the American Board of Orthodontics website to verify an orthodontist’s status. These specialty boards maintain a public directory of their certified members, known as Diplomates, which confirms the advanced credential.