Is online dental education accredited and recognized by dental boards?

I’m seriously considering a career in dentistry, but I’m working full-time and supporting my family. Traditional dental school, with its strict in-person requirements, feels impossible right now. I’ve seen some ads and online programs claiming to offer dental education, but they seem too good to be true.

Specifically, I’m worried about two things:

1. Accreditation: Is there ANY online dental education program that’s actually accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or a similar reputable body? If not CODA, is there another accreditation recognized in the US or Canada?

2. Licensing: Even if a program claims to be good, will any state or provincial dental board actually recognize the degree or credits from a fully online program? Will I even be eligible to sit for the national board exams to become a licensed dentist? I’m located in California, so information pertaining to California would be particularly helpful, but I’d also appreciate knowing about other states or countries. I know the practical component is huge, so how would that be handled? Is there any legitimate pathway to becoming a licensed dentist through primarily online learning?

Answer

The accreditation and recognition of online dental education by dental boards is a complex issue with nuances depending on the specific type of program, the accrediting body, and the jurisdiction (state or country) in question. Here’s a breakdown:

Accreditation in Dentistry:

• CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation): In the United States, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the sole agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Dental Accreditation to accredit dental education programs. CODA accreditation signifies that a dental education program meets specific quality standards related to curriculum, faculty, facilities, and clinical experiences.

• Purpose of Accreditation: Accreditation serves multiple crucial purposes:

  • Quality Assurance: It ensures that dental education programs meet or exceed established educational standards.
  • Protection of the Public: Accreditation helps protect the public by ensuring that graduates have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to practice safely and effectively.
  • Eligibility for Licensure: In most jurisdictions, graduation from a CODA-accredited dental program is a prerequisite for eligibility to take the national and regional board examinations required for dental licensure.
• International Accreditation: Outside the United States, different accrediting bodies exist, depending on the country or region. Recognition of these accrediting bodies and their standards varies.

Online Dental Education and Accreditation:

• Traditional Dental Degrees (DDS/DMD): It is exceptionally rare, if not non-existent, for a complete Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree program to be offered fully online and be accredited by CODA or its equivalent. The primary reason is the intensive clinical component inherent in dental education. The hands-on experience gained in treating patients under the supervision of experienced faculty is considered essential and cannot be replicated through online learning alone.

• Hybrid Programs: Some dental schools might incorporate online learning components within their traditional, on-campus DDS/DMD programs. This might involve online lectures, virtual simulations, case studies, or other digital learning tools to supplement the traditional curriculum. However, the core clinical training always occurs in a physical clinic. The accreditation applies to the entire program, not just the online component, as long as the program as a whole meets CODA standards.

• Postgraduate/Specialty Programs: Some postgraduate dental specialty programs (e.g., orthodontics, periodontics) may offer online components or even entire master’s degree programs in related fields (e.g., oral biology, public health dentistry). The accreditation status of these programs depends on whether they are accredited by CODA (or an equivalent body in other countries) and whether the online components meet the accrediting body’s standards.

  • Some programs may offer components online to accommodate working professionals.
• Continuing Education: Many online continuing education courses are available for dentists and dental professionals to maintain their licensure and enhance their skills. While these courses may be valuable, they are generally not part of an accredited degree program and do not lead to initial licensure.
  • These courses are often accredited by organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) or other professional dental associations.

Recognition by Dental Boards:

• Licensure Requirements: Dental boards (state or national licensing authorities) establish the requirements for dental licensure. In nearly all jurisdictions, graduation from a CODA-accredited (or equivalent) dental program is a prerequisite for licensure. Dental boards recognize CODA accreditation as a benchmark for quality dental education.

• Online Education and Licensure: Because fully online DDS/DMD programs are generally not accredited, a graduate of such a program would likely not be eligible for licensure in most jurisdictions.

• Varying Recognition: Dental boards have the authority to evaluate the credentials of graduates from non-accredited programs on a case-by-case basis. However, it is rare for a dental board to grant licensure to a graduate of a non-accredited program without significant additional education and clinical experience.

Summary:

• Complete online DDS/DMD programs are extremely rare and generally not accredited.
• CODA accreditation (or equivalent) is essential for licensure in most jurisdictions.
• Online components may be incorporated into accredited dental programs but do not replace the need for substantial clinical training.
• Dental boards primarily recognize graduation from accredited programs for licensure eligibility.

Recommendation:

Anyone considering online dental education should carefully verify the accreditation status of the program and the licensure requirements in their intended jurisdiction before enrolling. Contacting the relevant dental board directly is crucial to confirm the program’s acceptance for licensure purposes.