Whether you have an impacted tooth or a toothache, when you’re in pain, you want relief as quickly as possible. A doctor of general dentistry (General Dentist) can help with many issues, but not all. In some cases, you will be referred to a dental specialist, such as an oral surgeon or any of the 9 recognized specialties of the American Dental Association (ADA). These specialists are experts in specific sub-fields of dentistry and have received education and training at an accredited institution beyond that of a general practitioner. There is no Cosmetic Dentist or Implantologist(Implant Specialist) recognized by the ADA.  However, today in some states it has been ruled by the court that the ADA does not have the authority to govern the distinction of a specialist.  In other words, any licensed dentist can legally claim to be a “specialist” for advertising purposes regardless of their formal training. Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Honolulu, HI.  Below, he and his team explain three questions you may want to ask to verify if your specialist is a formally trained specialist in their field according to the ADA’s definition. 

How to Verify if a Specialist Is Legit 

Did They Graduate From an Accredited Post Graduate Training Program? Are they Eligible to Take the Board Certification Exam of Their Recognized Specialty?

Ask about their alma mater and ensure it’s an accredited institution. Most states require dental professionals to graduate from an accredited school to be licensed. Accreditation indicates the school has been approved by an independent, reliable, and credible third party legitimized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is the ultimate source of consumer protection, making sure the graduate has received a solid education in their field. Today there are many organizations for profit who will “certify” a dentist if they complete their exams.  There are also online “graduate” programs to receive credentials but these “credentials” may not qualify one for licensure.  They are simply letters one can place after their name.  Board Certification is a written and or oral exam.  Although it does not certify skill, if one is eligible for the exam, they likely would have completed training at an accredited institution. 

How Many Years Did They Attend? 

All dentists take pre-requisite courses for admission into dental school.  They then attend three to four years of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental school. They must pass a standardized National Dental Board Exam and in some states a state licensure examination.  Most states then require a minimum number of continuing education course hours. 

In order to become an ADA recognized specialist, however, a dentist must attend an additional two to seven years of post-graduate training in their specialty area. The amount of time it takes to complete the program depends upon the specialty. During this period, they receive in-depth knowledge and practice in their chosen field to become an expert.

Are You an ADA-recognized Specialist or Did You Take “Weekend” Continuing Education Courses? 

The American Dental Association has defined nine areas in which expert skills are needed. These include oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics(root canals), oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, prosthodontics, periodontics(gums), and dental public health. By licensure it is perfectly legal for a dentist to practice any procedure in the field of dentistry.  However, ethically, a general dentist should offer a patient a referral to a specialist if one is recognized for the procedure you need.  You have the right to decline and have your general dentist do the procedure if you choose. 

When seeking medical care of any kind, including dentistry, it’s crucial to see a licensed, legitimate professional. If you’re a Honolulu resident in need of tooth extraction, maxillofacial or pre-prosthetic surgery, or other oral surgical procedures, trust the experts at Lyle C. Yanagihara, DDS, MS. He and his staff are known for their compassionate manner and unparalleled expertise. Call (808) 973-1433 to schedule an appointment. Or, visit the website to learn more about their offerings.