The Role of a Team Dentist in Professional Soccer: Insights from NWSL’s Dr. Emilio Canal, Jr. and Dr. Al BackThe National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) kicked off its 2025 season on March 14, bringing high-energy competition, elite athleticism, and intense gameplay back to the field. While fans focus on goals and game-winning plays, oral health and injury prevention are crucial in player performance and often go unnoticed. Behind every professional team is a dedicated Sports Dentist, ensuring that players stay in peak condition and can focus on the game without dental issues interfering with their performance. Among these experts are Dr. Emilio Canal, Jr. and Dr. Al Back, who serve as Team Dentists for the Washington Spirit. What Does It Take to Be a Team Dentist?Being a Team Dentist involves more than fixing chipped teeth or treating oral injuries—it encompasses prevention, emergency preparedness, and athlete performance support. Professional athletes put their bodies, including their mouths, at risk every time they step onto the field. A Team Dentist’s job is to keep them safe, pain-free, and ready to compete. Some key responsibilities of a Team Dentist include: ✔ Pre-season evaluations to identify and mitigate potential oral health risks. ✔ 24/7 emergency availability to handle dental injuries or emergencies. ✔ Game-day coverage for on-the-spot injury treatment, including trauma management and suturing techniques. ✔ Custom mouthguard fabrication to reduce the risk of dental trauma. ✔ Injury management and return-to-play guidance to ensure players receive the best care and can return to the field safely. ✔ Collaboration with the medical team, including athletic trainers, team physicians, and specialists. The Role of a Team Dentist Based on NWSL’s Defined Job DescriptionThe National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is the first global organization to define a Team Dentist’s role clearly. This standardized job description establishes clear responsibilities and expectations, ensuring consistency in oral health care for professional athletes. The NWSL’s definition emphasizes the critical nature of dental care in elite sports and highlights the need for specialized expertise in trauma management, emergency response, and ongoing dental maintenance. The NWSL underscores the importance of integrating oral health into overall player wellness programs by setting a precedent for professional sports leagues worldwide. The clearly defined role ensures that Team Dentists are not just reactive but proactive in preventing dental injuries, maintaining oral health, and collaborating with team medical staff to support player performance. Qualifications for a Team DentistThe role of a Team Dentist is both demanding and rewarding, requiring a high level of expertise in sports dentistry, trauma care, anti-doping policies, and HIPAA compliance. To qualify, a dentist must have:
Team Dentist vs. Consultant: Understanding the DifferenceWithin the NWSL, some dentists serve as Team Dentists, while others act as Consultants. It’s essential to distinguish between these roles:
Learn From the Experts at the ASD SymposiumThe 42nd Academy for Sports Dentistry Symposium is the perfect opportunity for dentists interested in advancing their careers in sports dentistry. This year’s event, held June 26-28, 2025, at the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., will feature leading experts like Dr. Emilio Canal, Jr., who will share his firsthand experience working with professional athletes. Why Attend?✔ Hands-on training in trauma treatment and injury prevention. ✔ Insights into working with professional sports teams. ✔ Networking opportunities with top sports dentists and athletic trainers. ✔ Continuing education credits to enhance your credentials. With the NWSL’s season kicking off on March 14, now is the perfect time to expand your expertise and learn how to support athletes at the highest levels. ➡ Ready to take the next step in sports dentistry? Register now and be part of the future of athlete care! |
