The Board Certified Advantage: Why Choose a Prosthodontic Specialist in Houston

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. This is why you should always choose a prosthodontic specialist for advanced procedures, as general dentists lack this training.

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 like dental implants and full mouth reconstruction.

✅ Met the highest national standards in both clinical knowledge and ethics through rigorous examination by the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP).

✅Successfully completed a detailed review and defense of real-life patient cases, proving expertise in long-term patient outcomes.

✅Committed to ongoing professional development and continuous competence, as they must re-certify every 8 years.This re-certification requires passing a written examination and attaining 240 hours of continuing education in the specialty.

✅Provided an independently validated level of trust, as their qualifications have been reviewed by a reputable, external board, not just a residency program.

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.

I was searching for the absolute best Prosthodontist, in Houston, for a missing tooth. Was thrilled to find Houston Dental Implants and Prosthodontics in the Memorial area. From the first consultation, I felt completely at ease, the team was professional, attentive and had thoroughly explained the entire single tooth implant process. The final crown restoration is perfectly flawless. I honestly cannot tell the difference between my new tooth and my natural ones. The color match and fit are perfect. Choosing Dr. Mark Stankewitz was the best decision, he is a true master of his craft. If you need an implant, especially in a visible area, look no further!

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 American Board of Prosthodontics.

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?

What is the difference between a Prosthodontist and a General Dentist?

A Prosthodontist is a dental specialist who completes an additional three years of advanced, full-time training after dental school, focusing exclusively on complex restoration, tooth replacement (implants, bridges, dentures), and esthetic procedures like veneers. A general dentist provides primary, routine dental care, but their training does not include this intensive, specialized residency.

Is Dr. Mark L. Stankewitz a Board-Certified Prosthodontist in Houston?

Yes, Dr. Mark L. Stankewitz is a Board-Certified Prosthodontist through the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP).

Furthermore, he holds a highly unique position for patients seeking the absolute best specialist in the area:

He is the only Board-Certified Prosthodontist in private practice in Memorial and Katy.
He is the only Board-Certified Prosthodontist in private practice within 10 miles of his office.

By completing this rigorous, voluntary examination process, he earned the highest credential in the specialty: Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics.

Why should I choose a Board-Certified Prosthodontist for my dental implants?

You should choose a Board-Certified Prosthodontist for complex procedures like dental implants because it ensures your specialist has met the highest national standards in clinical knowledge and ethics. This expertise is crucial for predictable, long-term success, especially for visible teeth or full-mouth reconstruction. Furthermore, Dr. Stankewitz must re-certify every 8 years by taking a written examination and attaining 240 hours of continuing education, guaranteeing his skills are always current.

What is a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics?

A Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics is a prosthodontist who has successfully completed the voluntary, rigorous, multi-phase evaluation process set forth by the ABP. This includes a written exam, detailed review of real-life patient cases, and an oral examination. This title is a definitive reflection of a specialist’s dedication to excellence and clinical mastery.

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.