Board-Certified vs. Non-Certified Prosthodontists: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

When it comes to choosing a specialist for complex dental care like full-mouth reconstruction, dental implants, or esthetic restorations, many patients assume that all prosthodontists offer the same level of expertise. But there’s one critical distinction that sets certain specialists apart: board certification.

So, what does it really mean to be a board-certified prosthodontist, and why should it matter to you as a patient in Houston?

What Is a Prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who undergoes an additional three years of advanced training after dental school. This specialized education focuses on restoring and replacing teeth through crowns, bridges, dentures, veneers, dental implants, and full-mouth reconstructions.

However, not all prosthodontists pursue the next step: board certification.

What Does It Mean to Be Board Certified?

Board certification is a voluntary, rigorous process overseen by the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP). It involves multiple phases:

A comprehensive written examination
A detailed review and defense of real-life patient cases
An oral examination before a panel of board-certified examiners

Only prosthodontists who successfully complete all stages of this evaluation process earn the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.

Why Board Certification Matters for Patients

Choosing a board-certified prosthodontist in Houston like Dr. Mark L. Stankewitz ensures you’re receiving care from a specialist who has:

✅ Demonstrated mastery in complex prosthodontic treatment
✅ Met the highest national standards in both clinical knowledge and ethics
✅ Committed to ongoing professional development and continuing education

In other words, board certification isn’t just a title — it’s a reflection of a prosthodontist’s dedication to excellence and long-term patient outcomes.

Not All Prosthodontists Are Board Certified

It’s important to note: any dentist who completes a prosthodontic residency can legally use the title “prosthodontist.” However, without board certification, their qualifications have not been independently validated by the ABP.

This makes it especially important for patients to ask whether their prosthodontist is board certified, particularly when seeking advanced or esthetic procedures.

Dr. Mark L. Stankewitz: Houston’s Trusted Board-Certified Prosthodontist

With over 40 years of experience and board certification through the ABP, Dr. Mark L. Stankewitz stands apart as one of Houston’s most qualified specialists in implant and prosthetic dentistry. He’s also a certified dental technician, personally designing and overseeing each case with unmatched precision.

Whether you need dental implants, full-mouth reconstruction, or cosmetic veneers, Dr. Stankewitz brings an elite level of skill, artistry, and integrity to every treatment plan.

Looking for a Board-Certified Prosthodontist in Houston?

If you value quality, precision, and long-term success in your dental care, choose a prosthodontist who’s gone the extra mile to earn board certification.

📞 Call 713-464-6335 to schedule a visit to experience the highest standard of prosthodontic care in Houston.