Cosmetic Dentistry & Prosthodontics: 10 Helpful Facts in Helping You Choose a Specialist

Are some dentists better qualified to place your next crown, bridge or implant? Is there a field of dentistry that has a special understanding of porcelain veneers and cosmetic dentistry? The answer is yes. Although any General Dentist is permitted to provide these services, if you are looking for a professional that has had extensive training, and most likely, more experience, you may be looking for a Prosthodontist.

1. Prosthodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
2. Prosthodontists are dental specialists in the restoration and replacement of teeth.
3. After completing four years of dental school, a Prostho receives three more years of specialized training in an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited graduate education program.
4. One who is said to be “board certified” has completed an ADA approved residency (specialty) training program, usually at a university dental school and has “passed” both written and oral examinations. Such board certification is a basic standard for professional competence as a specialist.
5. Not all Prosthos are board certified.
6. Dental Law in Florida prohibits a dentist from using the word “specialist” if said doctor did not go through a formal residency program. Continuing Education does not count as a formal residency program.
7. Fellowship of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) is only awarded to certified members of the college. This is the highest possible recognition and credential in the dental specialty of prosthodontics and there is a small, elite group of 700 dentists worldwide that have achieved this status.
8. There is no recognized specialty in cosmetic dentistry, implants or TMJ. These all fall within the field of expertise of a Prostho
   
9. Dr. Omar Abdo is a board certified Prosthodontist and Fellow of the ACP
10. Services falling under the expertise of Prostho include:

• Aesthetic/cosmetic dentistry
• Implant dentistry
• Crowns and bridges
• Porcelain veneers
• Re-treatment of failing dentistry
• Complete and partial denture

For more information on this specialty, click here.