Become an ASD Certified Sports Team DentistAthletes at every level need dental professionals who understand the unique demands of sports, including dental trauma, mouthguard fabrication, concussion considerations, emergency preparedness, and collaboration with athletes' medical teams. The ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist Course provides comprehensive education and hands-on training to help dentists confidently serve athletes and athletic organizations. The course is offered twice each year, giving dentists two opportunities annually to earn or renew certification. How to Become an ASD Certified Sports Team DentistTo earn the ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist designation, you must:
How Long Does Certification Last?Your ASD-Certified Sports Team Dentist certification is valid for 3 years. Sports dentistry continues to change as new research, clinical guidance, dental products, safety protocols, and treatment approaches emerge. The three-year certification cycle helps ensure that ASD Certified Sports Team Dentists remain informed and prepared to meet the evolving needs of athletes and athletic organizations. How Do I Renew My Certification?To remain certified, you must:
Continual learning allows you to refresh essential knowledge, complete updated hands-on instruction, and better understand the latest developments in sports dentistry and athlete care. With the course offered twice each year, you can choose whichever date fits your schedule ahead of your expiration. If your certification has already expired, or you completed the course more than three years ago, you will need to take the current Sports Team Dentist Course again to renew your designation. Why Become an ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist?The ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist Course is designed to provide broad preparation across the field of sports dentistry. A dentist can enter the course with limited sports dentistry experience and leave with a better understanding of:
Completing the course demonstrates a focused commitment to sports dentistry and formal education in the care of athletes. Although certification does not guarantee placement with a team, it may help you stand out when connecting with athletic organizations and their medical teams. Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I have to attend the course in person?Yes. In-person attendance is required to earn the ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist designation because the course includes required hands-on training. The in-person format also provides valuable opportunities to meet dentists and other professionals who may already work with athletic organizations. Can I complete the certification online?Not currently. Online education may provide useful knowledge in sports dentistry, but it does not replace the hands-on components required for ASD certification. Do I have to be an ASD member?You do not have to be an ASD member to attend the course. However, only eligible ASD members can receive the ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist designation. ASD members also receive a reduced registration rate. The course is offered twice a year. Is there a difference between the two?No. Both offerings use the same curriculum, include the same required hands-on training, and carry the same registration rates. Completing either one earns the same ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist designation, valid for three years. One course is held with the Global Symposium. Do I have to register for the Symposium too?No. The Sports Team Dentist Course is a separate event with separate registration. You are welcome to attend the Global Symposium as well, but it is not required to take the course or earn certification. Does ASD provide a list of professional teams looking for dentists?ASD cannot guarantee placement with a team or provide a list of organizations currently seeking a team dentist. When appropriate, ASD may support a course graduate's outreach by providing a letter confirming completion of the required coursework. Dentists are still responsible for developing their own relationships with schools, clubs, leagues, and professional organizations. This is one of the valuable benefits of ASD membership!!–coaching and mentorship on how to approach a relationship Will completing the course guarantee that I become a team dentist?No. Completing the course prepares you to pursue team dentist opportunities, but it does not guarantee an appointment or position with an athletic organization. Building relationships with athletic trainers, physicians, medical directors, local schools, sports clubs, colleges, and professional organizations remains an important part of becoming involved with a team. Is the course required by my state?States do not currently mandate completion of the ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist Course. However, completing a formal educational program demonstrates a special interest in sports dentistry and can help dentists demonstrate to athletic organizations that they have pursued focused preparation to serve athletes. Do professional sports organizations require ASD certification?Requirements differ by league, organization, and team. Some organizations may require or prefer specialized sports dentistry education or certification, while others establish their own qualifications. Dentists should confirm the current requirements directly with the league or organization they wish to serve. I took the course several years ago. Do I need to take it again?Yes, if it has been more than three years since you earned or renewed your certification. Sports dentistry, clinical guidance, dental products, and athlete-safety practices continue to evolve. Retaking the course ensures that your knowledge and hands-on preparation reflect the current program. Can dental students attend?Yes. Dental students interested in sports dentistry are encouraged to attend and can gain knowledge that will be valuable in their future practice. The course also provides opportunities to connect with dentists who currently serve athletic organizations. Some participants have found team-related opportunities by joining or associating with practices that already care for athletes. Students are, however, not eligible to receive the ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist designation until they meet ASD's dentist and membership eligibility requirements. What are the benefits of taking this course?There is no other comprehensive course offered domestically that covers nearly the entire field of sports dentistry in preparation to serve a team. It educates on the tools needed, such as trauma management, concussion information, custom fabrication of sports mouthguards, nutrition, among other dental topics. Additionally, it helps one understand the role of the team dentist, how to connect with an organization, and how to communicate with a medical team. In summary, one can enter the team dentist course with no knowledge of sports dentistry and leave the course having covered nearly every topic related to the subject, feeling prepared to begin serving teams. Upcoming Certification OpportunitiesThe ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist Course is offered twice each year. The curriculum, hands-on training, and registration rates are the same at every offering, and each produces the same ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist designation, valid for three years. Choose whichever date works best for your schedule. January 29–30, 2027 — Glidewell, Irvine, CA - Course details and registration June 24 - 26, 2027 — Save the date - held in conjunction with the ASD Global Symposium, Raleigh, NC Can't make either date? Sign up for our newsletter, and we'll notify you when new dates are scheduled. Take the Next StepPrepare yourself to care for athletes, respond to sports-related dental emergencies, and collaborate effectively with an athletic organization's medical team. Join ASD to receive the member registration rate and become eligible to earn the ASD Certified Sports Team Dentist designation. |
