Drilling Down on Expertise: Training Requirements Across U.S. Dental Specialties
Abstract
The dental profession in the United States recognizes a set of formally defined specialties that require additional postgraduate education, accreditation, and (in many cases) board certification. This review summarizes currently recognized dental specialties, standard postgraduate training pathways, accreditation mechanisms (Commission on Dental Accreditation — CODA), and common certification routes. The paper highlights variation in program length and structure across specialties (e.g., oral and maxillofacial surgery versus dental public health), the role of CODA in establishing and monitoring educational standards, and the relationship between specialty education and national certifying boards. Recommendations are offered for applicants, program directors and policymakers to enhance transparency and workforce planning.
Recommended Citation
(2026)
"Drilling Down on Expertise: Training Requirements Across U.S. Dental Specialties,"
Journal IDA: Vol. 105:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journal-ida/vol105/iss1/6