Prosthodontics

Prosthodontics is one of nine specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

According to the American Dental Association definitions of recognized dental specialities, prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes.

A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in prosthodontics, the specialty of implant, esthetic and reconstructive dentistry. Prosthodontists restore oral function through prostheses and restorations (i.e., complete dentures, crowns, implant retained/supported restorations). Cosmetic dentistry, implants and temporomandibular joint disorder all fall under the field of prosthodontics.

In the United States there are only about 3,200 prosthodontists.

Training

The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) ensures standards are maintained in the field. Becoming a prosthodontist requires an additional thirty-six months of postgraduate specialty training after obtaining a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. Training consists of rigorous preparation in basic science, head and neck anatomy, biomedical sciences, biomaterial science, esthetics, occlusion (bite), and TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder). Due to this extensive training, prosthodontists are frequently called upon to treat complex cosmetic cases, full mouth reconstructions, TMJ related disorders, congenital disorders, and sleep apnea by planning and fabricating various prostheses.

Certification

Board certification is awarded through the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP) and requires successful completion of the Part I written examination and Part 2, 3 and 4 oral examinations. This is a very rigorous process and so far there are no more than 800 diplomates. The written and one oral examination may be taken during the 3rd year of speciality training and the remaining two oral examinations taken following completion of speciality training. Board eligibility starts when an application is approved by the ABP and lasts for six years. Diplomates of the ABP are ethically required to have a practice limited to prosthodontics. Fellows of the American College of Prosthodontists (FACP) are required to have a dental degree, have completed three years of prosthodontic speciality training and be board certified by the ABP.

Maxillofacial Prosthodontics

Maxillofacial prosthodontics is a subspecialty of prosthodontics. Maxillofacial prosthodontists treat patients who have acquired and congenital defects of the head and neck (maxillofacial) region due to surgery, trauma, and/or birth defects. Artificial eyes (see Ocularist, Ocular prosthetic, ears, and maxillary obturators are commonly planned and fabricated by maxillofacial prosthodontists). Other less commonly employed prostheses include mouth devices used by amputees to aid in daily activities, tracheostomy obturators, and craniofacial prosthesis.

Treatment is multidisciplinary involving oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, ENT surgeons, oncologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals.

Certification requires an additional year of training after completing an approved prosthodontic speciality program. Eligibility for membership in the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics (AAMP) includes specific requirements to become an affiliate, associate, and honorary fellow.