Endodontists

Certification or Licensing

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed before they can practice. Most states require that dentists graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations. Individual state licensing boards administer the tests for licensure.

Nearly 20 states require endodontists to obtain a separate specialty license. To be able to practice as a specialist, dentists must graduate from an accredited postgraduate program and pass additional state examinations. Many state licenses allow dentists to practice both in their specialty and in general dentistry.

Board certification available through the American Board of Endodontics (ABE) is independent of state licensing requirements. To achieve ABE diplomate status, endodontists must file an application with the ABE, be interviewed and approved as a candidate, pass written and oral examinations, and provide written endodontic case histories. To maintain their status, endodontists must renew their certification every 10 years. ABE diplomate status is sought voluntarily by endodontists to show excellence in their abilities.