On March 11, the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying boards adopted a resolution to recognize dental anesthesiology as the 10th dental specialty. The National Commission recognizes dental specialties to protect the public, foster the science of dentistry and improve quality of care. Next, the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists must establish a national certification board that meets National Commission requirements. Other established dental specialties include dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
