As a dental specialist in the field of prosthodontics we we have invested three years of rigorous training in an accredited dental school residency program. This involved performing increasingly complex prosthetic procedures always under direct supervision of qualified dental specialists. The successful completion of this program qualifies us to independently perform complex prosthetic procedures. Our patients would be mislead if someone without this specialty training would advertise and work complex cases without this accredited qualification. A weekend course  or learning on patients without supervision is not equivalent with the structured and formal training of a residency. The quality of care for our patients would deminish significantly.

With the indiscriminate use of specialty designations how can patients determine if a dentist has the appropriate skillset to treat their specific condition? 

It would be inaccurate to promote a speciatly status, if someone did not undergo a formal residency program and this would be harmful for the public and the entire field of dentistry.