Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-574.18 - [Effective 4/9/2025] Public representation

All advertisements and public representations should include the name and contact information of the practitioner who placed the ad.

(1) If the advertisement refers to one's practice, the ad may state either "general/family practice" or "specialist," "specializes," or "specializing." A dentist may not advertise or represent oneself as a specialist unless the dentist complies with the other provisions of this rule.

(2) A dentist may advertise as a specialist if the dentist is a diplomate of, or board-eligible for, a national certifying board of a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) or the American Board of Dental Specialties (ABDS). A dentist should consult with the ADA or ABDS for a current list of recognized specialties.

(3) A certifying board may apply for a new area of specialty by submitting information regarding the area of specialty, including an explanation of how the proposed specialty is within the scope of practice of dentistry in Iowa, and proof of the following:

a. The proposed specialty is separate and distinct from any preexisting specialty recognized by the ADA or ABDS;

b. The proposed specialty is a distinct and well-defined field that requires unique knowledge and skills beyond those commonly possessed by dental school graduates;

c. The certifying board is an independent entity that is comprised of licensed dentists, whose membership is reflective of the proposed specialty, and that is incorporated and governed solely by the licensed dentists/board members;

d. The certifying board has a permanent headquarters and staff;

e. The certifying board has issued diplomate certificates to licensed dentists for at least five years;

f. The certifying board requires passing an oral and written examination based on psychometric principles that tests the applicant's knowledge and skill in the proposed specialty;

g. The certifying board requires all dentists who seek certification in the proposed specialty to have successfully completed a specified, objectively verifiable amount of post-DDS or - DMD education and experience that is appropriate for the proposed specialty area, as determined by the certifying board; and

h. The certifying board's website includes online resources for the consumer to verify the certifying board's certification requirements and a list of the names and location of the dentists who have been awarded certification.

(4) The use of the terms "specialist," "specializes," "orthodontist," "oral and maxillofacial surgeon," "oral and maxillofacial radiologist," "periodontist," "pediatric dentist," "prosthodontist," "endodontist," "oral pathologist," "public health dentist," "dental anesthesiologist," or other similar terms that imply that the dentist is a specialist may only be used by a licensed dentist who meets the requirements of this rule. A dentist who advertises as a specialist must avoid any implication that other dentists associated with the same practice are specialists unless the dentists also meet the requirements of this rule.

(5) The term "diplomate" or "board-certified" may only be used by a dentist who has successfully completed the qualifying examination of the appropriate certifying board of one or more of the specialties recognized by the ADA or the ABDS, or as otherwise permitted pursuant to these rules.

(6) A dentist may only advertise as a specialist pursuant to these rules if the advertisement includes the name of the national certifying board and the name of the entity that recognizes the board in the advertisement.

(7) A dentist may advertise the areas in which the dentist practices, including but not limited to specialty services, using other descriptive terms such as "emphasis on ________________" or other similar terms as long as all other provisions of these rules regarding advertising are met.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-574.18

Adopted by IAB March 5, 2025/Volume XLVII, Number 18, effective 4/9/2025