American Dental Association
ADA Home Page
Licensure Licensure | Catalog Catalog | Member Directory Member Directory | Contact Us Contact Us |
ADA Search Powered by Google
Dental Professionals The ADA Your Oral Health
A to Z Topics
Advocacy
Education
ACCREDITATION
CONTINUING ED
DENTAL ADMISSION TEST
DENTAL CAREERS
DENTAL PROGRAMS
DENTAL SPECIALTIES
Dentistry Definitions
Dental Specialty Boards
Specialty National Organizations
DENTAL STUDENTS
NATIONAL BOARD EXAMS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Events
Member Center
Publications and Resources
Practice Planning and Protection

Dental Specialties Photo of Dentist
Dental Specialties
A specialty is an area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the American Dental Association as meeting the specified requirements for recognition of Dental Specialists. The responsibilities of the different areas of specialization, the special requirements and other information can be found here in Dental Specialties.
REQUIREMENTS FOR RECOGNITION

Dental specialties are recognized by the Association to protect the public, nurture the art and science of dentistry, and improve the quality of care. It is the Associations’ belief that the needs of the public are best served if the profession is oriented primarily to general practice. Specialties are recognized in those areas where advanced knowledge and skills are essential to maintain or restore oral health (Association policies are contained in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct).

Not all areas in dentistry will satisfy the requirements for specialty recognition. However, the public and profession benefit substantially when non-specialty groups develop and advance areas of interest through education, practice and research. Acknowledged by the profession, the contributions of such and their endeavors are encouraged.
ADA Quick Links
ADA Library
Annual Session
Dental Organization Directories
Dental Specialty Boards
Other Sites
American Dental Education Association
American Student Dental Association


Following approval by the House of Delegates, the sponsoring organization must establish a national board for certifying diplomats in accordance with the “Requirements for National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists” as specified in the downloadable document below. Additionally, the Commission on Dental Accreditation develops educational requirements and establishes an accreditation program for advanced educational programs in the specialty. The Council on Dental Education and Licensure and the sponsoring organization monitors the administrative standards and operation of the certifying board.

A specialty is an area of dentistry that has been formally recognized by the American Dental Association as meeting the Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties and National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists. As part of the specialty recognition process, applicants must complete an Application for Specialty Recognition.

  • Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties and National Certifying Boards
    for Dental Specialists | PDF file/22k Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled.
  • Application for Specialty Recognition | PDF file/60k Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled.

Contact Information
Telephone: 312-440-2717
E-mail: hartk@ada.org
For all other inquires, click here.

To view a PDF file, you need Adobe Reader. Click on the logo to download.

Click here to download the Adobe Reader.
Copyright 1995-2008 American Dental Association.
Reproduction or republication strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
See Privacy Policy (Updated 03/14/05) and Terms of Use for further legal information.
Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled. Link opens in separate window.
Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled.
Member Only Content Member only content.