As a dental specialist, it truly upsets me that the American Board of Dental Specialist is trying to make it easier for the general dentist to obtain the title of a dental specialist.  The requirements for the general dentist are far less than the recognized CODA requirements.  As a periodontist it took 3 years of hard work, a lot of sacrifice from my family, and a lot of increased debt in order to be able to become a periodontist.  3 years is necessary for a person to be competetnt in a specialty and not the significantly reduced requirements of ABDS.  This will be very misleading to the general public and infact will be a great disservice to them.  I hope that you will recognize the importance of this matter and will look to back the current CODA requirements.

Sincerely

Ben Overstreet DDS, MS

Board certified Periodontist