Certified Dental Speaker
The Certified Dental Speaker (CDS) designation is the first and only national professional credential for dental speakers and educators. Earn the credential that distinguishes your expertise, credibility, and commitment to excellence in dental education.
The CDS Designation
What the CDS Means
The CDS designation is awarded by AADS to dental professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, experience, and ethical standards required of a qualified dental speaker. It is not a participation certificate it is a rigorous professional credential earned through a structured review process.
Credibility
Signal to audiences, event organizers, and dental companies that you meet a nationally recognized standard for dental speaking.
Distinction
Differentiate yourself in a competitive field with a credential that demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence.
Community
Join a select group of certified dental speakers recognized by the national professional association for dental education.
Opportunity
Gain priority placement in the AADS Certified Speaker Directory and access to speaking opportunities through AADS referrals.
Eligibility
CDS Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for the Certified Dental Speaker designation, applicants must meet all of the following requirements at the time of application.
Current AADS Membership
Applicants must be current AADS Associate Members in good standing at the time of application and throughout the certification process.
Active Dental License or Credential
Applicants must hold a current, active license or professional credential in their dental discipline (DDS, DMD, RDH, DA, or equivalent) or be a current dental industry professional.
Documented Speaking Experience
Applicants must document a minimum of five (5) professional speaking engagements within the past three (3) years. Eligible engagements include CE courses, conference presentations, study club lectures, webinars, and formal training programs.
Speaking Sample Submission
Applicants must submit a video recording of a professional presentation (minimum 120 minutes) for review by the AADS Certification Committee.
Professional References
Applicants must provide two (2) professional references from individuals who have observed the applicant speak in a professional setting.
Code of Ethics Agreement
Applicants must read, agree to, and sign the AADS Code of Ethics as a condition of certification.
Certification Process
The 6-Step CDS Process
The CDS certification process is designed to be rigorous, fair, and transparent. All applicants are evaluated by the AADS Certification Committee against the same published standards, with final authority resting with the AADS Board of Directors.
Submit Application
Day 1Complete and submit the CDS application form, including all required documentation: speaking history, professional references, and Code of Ethics agreement. The application fee is due at submission.
Application Review
Within 10 business daysThe AADS Certification Committee reviews your application for completeness and eligibility. You will be notified within 10 business days whether your application has been accepted for full review or if additional information is needed.
Speaking Sample Submission
Within 30 days of acceptanceSubmit your video speaking sample (minimum 120 minutes) for evaluation by the Certification Committee. Samples are reviewed against the AADS Speaker Competency Standards, which assess content quality, delivery, audience engagement, and professional conduct.
Professional Interview
Scheduled after sample reviewQualified applicants participate in a structured professional interview with two members of the AADS Certification Committee. The interview assesses your speaking philosophy, subject-matter expertise, ethical standards, and professional development goals.
Committee Recommendation
Within 15 business days of interviewThe Certification Committee completes its evaluation and renders a recommendation: Approved for Board consideration, Conditionally Approved (with specific requirements to be met), or Deferred (with guidance for reapplication). Approved applicants advance to the final step; the complete application and committee findings are presented to the AADS Board of Directors for their review.
Board Vote and Certification
Following Board meetingThe full AADS Board of Directors reviews the application and committee recommendation, then votes on whether to confer the CDS designation. If the Board votes in your favor, you will receive your official CDS certificate and digital credential. AADS will issue a press release announcing your certification to all Associate Members, Certified Speakers, and the broader AADS community, and you will be listed in the AADS Certified Speaker Directory.
Evaluation Standards
AADS Speaker Competency Standards
Speaking samples and interviews are evaluated against the AADS Speaker Competency Standards the published criteria used by the Certification Committee to assess all CDS applicants.
Content Quality
- ✦Scientific accuracy and evidence-based content
- ✦Appropriate depth and breadth for the audience
- ✦Clear learning objectives
- ✦Proper attribution and disclosure
Presentation Delivery
- ✦Clarity and organization of presentation
- ✦Effective use of visual aids and materials
- ✦Time management and pacing
- ✦Audience engagement and interaction
Professional Conduct
- ✦Adherence to AADS Code of Ethics
- ✦Conflict of interest disclosure
- ✦Professional demeanor and appearance
- ✦Responsiveness to audience questions
Subject Expertise
- ✦Demonstrated mastery of subject matter
- ✦Currency with recent research and developments
- ✦Ability to address complex clinical questions
- ✦Breadth of knowledge in specialty area
Maintaining Certification
CDS Renewal Requirements
The CDS designation is valid for three (3) years from the date of certification. To maintain the designation, CDS holders must complete the renewal process before their certification expires.
Continuing Speaking Activity
Document a minimum of eight (8) professional speaking engagements during the three-year certification period.
Professional Development
Complete a minimum of 10 hours of AADS-approved professional development activities related to speaking, education, or subject-matter expertise.
AADS Membership in Good Standing
Maintain current AADS membership in good standing throughout the certification period.
Code of Ethics Compliance
Maintain compliance with the AADS Code of Ethics. No substantiated ethics violations during the certification period.
Renewal Application
Submit the CDS renewal application and renewal fee within 90 days prior to certification expiration.
CDS holders who do not complete renewal requirements by the expiration date will have their certification lapsed. Lapsed certifications may be reinstated within 12 months by completing the renewal requirements and paying a reinstatement fee. After 12 months, full re-certification is required.
Apply for CDS
Begin Your CDS Application
Complete the CDS application inquiry below. An AADS Certification Committee representative will contact you with the full application package, fee schedule, and next steps.
What Happens After You Apply
Submit your application with required documentation and fee.
Committee reviews your application for completeness and eligibility.
Submit a video speaking sample for evaluation against AADS competency standards.
Participate in a professional interview with two Committee members.
Committee issues a formal recommendation to the Board of Directors.
The Board votes. If approved, you receive your CDS certificate, are announced to the AADS community, and listed in the Certified Speaker Directory.
Not yet an AADS member?
Join AADS first →Common Questions
CDS Certification FAQ
Do I need to be a full-time speaker to earn the CDS?
No. Many CDS holders are practicing clinicians who speak regularly but are not full-time speakers. The eligibility requirement is a minimum of five documented speaking engagements in the past three years — not full-time speaking status.
What types of speaking engagements count toward eligibility?
Eligible engagements include CE courses, conference presentations, study club lectures, webinars, formal training programs, and other professional educational presentations. Informal presentations, sales calls, and patient education do not qualify.
How long does the certification process take?
The full CDS process typically takes 60–90 days from application submission to certification decision, depending on the volume of applications and scheduling of the professional interview.
What is the application fee?
CDS application fees are available upon request. Contact AADS for current fee information. Fees are non-refundable once the application review process has begun.
Can I use the CDS designation before certification is complete?
No. The CDS designation may only be used after the Certification Committee has issued a formal approval decision. Use of the designation prior to approval is a violation of the AADS Code of Ethics.
What happens if my application is deferred?
A deferred decision means the Certification Committee has identified specific areas for development before certification can be approved. You will receive written feedback and guidance for reapplication. There is no penalty for reapplication after addressing the identified areas.