Context
The dental profession is rapidly evolving with the emergence of new technologies, new scientific developments, new therapeutic approaches and a growing demand for specialised dental care. The demand is mainly associated with the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, discovery of newly diagnosed diseases, an ageing population and the rising importance of preventive care. In this context it is necessary to revise the current understanding of specialisation in dentistry to guarantee optimised care tailored to meet patients' needs. The formal recognition of dental specialities as a specific qualification of dental health professionals not only helps to structure the dental profession but also safeguards the quality and safety of care in line with international best practices and scientific and technological advances.1
Scope
This policy statement addresses the definition, regulation and role of specialisation within the dental profession. It focuses on the establishment of criteria for specialities, the training and certification processes for specialists and how specialisation impacts patient care. This does not call into question the quality of care provided by general practitioners.
Definitions
Dental specialisation: the process by which a dentist or member of the dental team undergoes additional education and training in a specific branch or field of dentistry beyond the general dental or oral health curricula.
Dental specialist: a licensed dentist who has met the criteria established by regulatory bodies in their country or region for expertise in a particular area of dental practice.2, 3, 4
Principles
Specialisation in dentistry should:
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Ensure the highest standards of care for patients by promoting higher education and specialist training in areas that improve oral health outcomes.
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Support equity in oral healthcare by improving access to specialists for all segments of the population.
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Respect professional ethics by ensuring that only dentists with the requisite additional training are recognised as specialists in their respective fields.
Policy
FDI recognises the role of specialisation dentistry in improving global oral health and declares:
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The recognition of dental specialities is necessary if we are to meet the specific and complex oral healthcare needs of patients. They must be characterised by a distinct and well-defined field of activity that requires post-graduate training to acquire most up-to-date, specific, advanced knowledge, skills and competencies that are beyond those of a general dental practitioner.5
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Specialisation must require additional formal education and clinical training beyond general dentistry with additional competencies that tend to be common to different countries. Dental specialists are expected to deliver a superior level of reflection and practice, corresponding to their field of expertise, by incorporating the latest evidence-based scientific and technological advances. Only practitioners who fulfilled these requirements can be called specialists or an equivalent title.6
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Dental specialisation must include continuing professional development requirements to maintain a high and up-to-date level of expertise, knowledge and skill set and shall be mandatory to maintain the specialist title or equivalent.
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Establishment of dental specialities does not limit the right of the general dental practitioner to practise the full range of dental disciplines specific to the profession and their level of expertise.
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General dentists should refer patients to specialists when patient care falls outside the scope of their own practice or requires specific expertise for optimal treatment outcomes, to ensure safe and quality care in line with the most current standards.
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Specialisation in dentistry should be second line, in that a specialist dentist should work collaboratively, in agreement and consultation with general dentists, except where the specialist can act as the primary care provider.
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When establishing and recognising dental specialities, equitable access to specialist care must be guaranteed for all patients, regardless of their location or socio-economic situation.7, 8, 9
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Specialist dentists, general dentists and dental teams must act in the patient's best interests, ensuring that their practice is transparent, ethical and respectful of the confidentiality of health data.9
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National dental associations and/or relevant health authorities shall be responsible for regulating the accreditation of specialities and ensuring compliance with training standards. The recognition process is best developed through comprehensive collaboration between regulatory, professional and educational bodies. Not all disciplines in dentistry will satisfy the requirements for speciality recognition.2,6
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Specialisation in dentistry should encourage cooperation between the various health disciplines to ensure comprehensive patient-centred care. The specialist must work in collaboration with other professionals, particularly in cases where a multidisciplinary approach is required.
Disclaimer
The information in this Policy Statement was based on the best scientific evidence available at the time. It may be interpreted to reflect prevailing cultural sensitivities and socio-economic constraints.
Revised version adopted by the General Assembly: 2025, Shanghai, China
Revised version adopted by the General Assembly: 2012, Vienna, Austria
Original version adopted by the FDI General Assembly: 2007, Ferney-Voltaire, France
References
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- 4.Council of European Dentist (CED). Statement on Specialist Dentists. Available from: https://www.cedentists.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CED-DOC-2023-028-FIN-E.pdf. Accessed 6 October 2025.
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