Cosmetic Dentistry as a Recognized Specialty?

As of this writing, cosmetic dentistry has yet to be recognized by the American Dental Association as a specialty (if it happened, it would be the tenth specialty). The only fields of dentistry being regulated are dental public health, prosthodontics, periodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiology, and dentofacial orthopedics. Why isn't cosmetic dentistry part of the list?

A recent survey shows that nearly nine out of ten dentists are against board certification for cosmetic dentistry, mostly saying that the current system works just fine. Perhaps, it's the fact that nearly every dentist in the U.S. already practices cosmetic dentistry to some extent. Aside from pediatric dentistry, they also offer teeth whitening services. The survey even discovered that some dentists are severely offended at the idea of board certification.

Regulating cosmetic dentistry can mean dentists getting a separate certification to provide cosmetic services. However, the regulation is more concerned about ensuring the quality of services that dentists provide. For now, the idea is gathering dust on the shelf. However, the fact that cosmetic dentists in Wilkes Barre also offer general dentistry services may give the impression of quality services. After all, a number of dental services are cosmetic in nature.