A board-certified pediatric dentist is a dentist who has passed an examination by one of the independent, internationally recognized boards. In the United States, the certifying board is the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certifies dentists through a voluntary testing process that ensures their continuous knowledge, skills, and experience in treating pediatric patients with quality dental outcomes.

To be eligible for certification, a pediatric dentist must have completed an advanced educational program in pediatric dentistry from an approved institution or be an internationally trained pediatric dentist. They must also have an active license to practice pediatric dentistry.