Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs.

A specialist in pediatric dentistry is one who has completed a general college education, earned a doctoral degree in dentistry, and has completed two or more years in a residency program in an accredited university or hospital. The educational experience qualifies the pediatric dentist as specially trained to care for oral health of infants, children and teenagers, including those with special needs.

Specialists in pediatric dentistry are health care professionals committed to caring for the oral health of children. Ten years or more of higher education demonstrates the intellectual achievement of pediatric dentists and provides the foundations of professional pediatric dentistry.

Upon completion of specialty training, pediatric dentists who take a rigorous two-part examination and validate their advanced training and clinical and diagnostic abilities can become a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). Upon successful completion of the examinations, the pediatric dentist is designated a Diplomate of the ABPD and becomes a member of the College of Diplomates.

AAPD fellows (FAAPD) are members who have distinguished themselves above the standard norm, either by publication or contributions to the profession.

Check the Diplomate Roster by clicking on the ABPD Logo above

The American Orthodontic Society (AOS) is the largest and one of the oldest U.S.-based educational associations of general and pediatric dentists who practice orthodontics worldwide.

A Diplomate of the Academy of Diplomates of the American Orthodontic Society (AOS) is recognition conferred after having completed three levels of stringent examination and peer review. A diplomate is the highest level of competency and recognition conferred by AOS.

The AOS diplomate board examination has one of the most stringent standards and requirements in the field of Orthodontics.(Review the board credentialing requirements for diplomate of AOS and compare with credentialing requirements for diplomate certification by other boards in the field of Orthodontics and determine this for yourself. click here )

As the profession’s oldest and largest orofacial myology certification organization, the IAOM is a partnership of professionals, educators, and colleagues. IAOM’s mission is dedicated to expanding the awareness of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders in both the general public and other allied health professionals, educating and certifying our members in the proper diagnosis and treatment of them, and working to expand research related to Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders. Fellow of Orofacial Myology (FOM) is certification conferred by IAOM to members who have met the fellowship requirements.