The Power of Team Dentistry: Why Continuing Education Is Essential for Sports Dental Professionals

In the world of sports, collaboration is key. Athletes don’t train or compete in isolation—they rely on a team of experts to help them perform at their peak and stay healthy year-round. The same philosophy applies to sports dentistry. Known as Team Dentistry, this approach emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary care to protect and enhance athletes’ oral and overall health.

What Is Team Dentistry?

Team Dentistry brings together dental professionals, athletic trainers, physicians, coaches, and other healthcare specialists to provide coordinated, athlete-centered care. This model ensures that dental health isn't treated in a vacuum but as a vital part of injury prevention, performance, and recovery.

For example, a properly fitted mouthguard can reduce the risk of concussion and oral trauma—but its effectiveness depends on clear communication between the dentist, the trainer, and the athlete. Similarly, being part of a sideline medical team during live sporting events means dentists must understand emergency protocols and collaborate seamlessly under pressure.

Why Continuing Education (CE) Matters

As the landscape of sports and healthcare evolves, so must our skills. That’s where continuing education (CE) becomes essential—not just for license renewal but also for delivering cutting-edge care in real-world settings.

CE in Team Dentistry helps sports dental professionals:

  • Stay Current: Learn the latest research, materials, and preventive care and trauma management techniques.

  • Improve Communication: Understand the language and workflow of athletic and medical teams to build stronger partnerships.

  • Enhance Emergency Preparedness: Be ready to act quickly and effectively in high-stakes, sideline situations.

  • Expand Opportunities: Become a trusted advisor and resource to sports programs, teams, and organizations.

Become an ASD Team Dentist™

For those seeking to formalize their role and stand out as a leader in the field, the Academy for Sports Dentistry offers the ASD Team Dentist™ designation. To qualify, here are just a few examples of the criteria that candidates must meet:

  • Be a licensed dentist in compliance with the Dental Practice Act of their jurisdiction (state, province, or country).

  • Be a member in good standing of the Academy for Sports Dentistry.

  • Attend and complete the ASD Team Dentist course at least once every five (5) years.

Additional criteria can be reviewed using the position statement link below. This designation demonstrates a commitment to excellence, ongoing education, and the collaborative principles that define Team Dentistry.

To learn more about the qualifications and responsibilities of an ASD Team Dentist™, visit:
ASD Position Statements & Team Dentist Criteria

To learn about becoming an ASD member and elevating your knowledge about team dentistry, email us at [email protected] to speak with one of our members.