What does it mean to be a
BOARD CERTIFIED PROSTHODONTIST?
Information from “The American Board of Prosthodontics” and www.gotoapro.com
Experts in Diagnosis and Treatment
Because of their additional education and training, Prosthodontists are experts in diagnosis, treatment planning and restorative procedures. Your prosthodontist can restore your oral function and improve the esthetic appearance of your smile through:
- Replacement of broken, worn, or decayed teeth with crowns, veneers or inlays
- Placement of implant crowns and prostheses
- Replacement of missing teeth with bridges
- Fabricating removable complete and partial dentures
- Restoration of occlusion
- Management of TMJ disorders and bruxism
What is a Prosthodontist?
A prosthodontist is a dentist with additional education in the restoration and replacement of missing teeth as well as a wide variety of other esthetic and cosmetic procedures.
Prosthodontics is one of only nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
What Training Do Prosthodontists Have?
After graduating from dental school, Prosthodontists complete a three year ADA-accredited residency program. This includes lectures and seminars, and intensive laboratory and clinical experience in fabricating crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays/onlays, complete and removable partial dentures, and placing/restoring dental implants.
Prosthodontists also receive extensive training in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) of the jaw, traumatic injuries to oral structures, and congenital or birth anomalies such as cleft palate, and oral cancer reconstruction. In addition, they are qualified to manage bruxism and sleep apnea disorders.
Prosthodontists are dedicated to the highest standards of care in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Your prosthodontist will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive plan to treat your specific situation and explain what results you can expect.
What Does It Mean To Be Board-Certified in Prosthodontics?
After completing an accredited residency program, Prosthodontists have the option of applying for Board certification in the specialty. The process is administered by the American Board of Prosthodontics.
Subsequent to completing a comprehensive written examination, candidates present three complex patient cases and defend their diagnosis, treatment, and results to a panel of examiners, all of whom are experienced Board-Certified Prosthodontists.
After successfully challenging the multi-part process, the Prosthodontist becomes certified and is recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. To maintain their certification, Diplomates must demonstrate their commitment to their continuing professional education by attending or presenting scientific lectures or publishing articles or textbook chapters.
The American Board of Prosthodontics recognizes its responsibility to the profession and to the public and discharges this responsibility through the administration of examinations designed to identify individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attributes deemed important to those who will be called Diplomates of the American Board of Prosthodontics.
