Board-Certified ENTs Explained: Why It Matters More Than Online Ratings

Patients today take a more active role in evaluating healthcare providers. In addition to reviewing patient experiences, many consider credentials like board certification when making care decisions. 

Board certification is one of the many factors that can help patients choose their ENT care provider. Although it doesn’t guarantee patient outcomes, it can indicate that a care provider has undergone additional specialty training and has met professional standards in their area of specialty. For some patients, this may be an important factor to consider.

This guide was created by Richmond Breathe Free to help patients in Glen Allen, VA, understand the basics of ENT board certification and why it matters when choosing a healthcare provider that aligns with their concerns and needs.

What Is an ENT?

An ENT, or formally known as an otolaryngologist, is a healthcare specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. They may also further their expertise to include subspecialties concerning the head, neck, mouth, and facial structures.

ENT care providers can address a wide variety of conditions, including seasonal allergies, recurrent ear infections, persistent sinus infections, hearing loss, and sleep-related breathing disorders. They are trained to provide both non-surgical and surgical treatment options.

Otolaryngologists are specialists, and to be one requires an additional five years of residency in otolaryngology. First, aspiring individuals must complete an undergraduate degree and then a medical school education.

Some otolaryngologists may pursue further subspecialties in pediatric otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, and facial reconstructive surgery, to name a few.

What Is a Board-Certified ENT in Glen Allen, VA?

A board-certified otolaryngologist is an ENT care provider who has completed medical school and residency training in otolaryngology. Unlike a medical license, board certification is a voluntary program.

While it does not guarantee patient outcomes, board certification indicates that a physician has undergone additional specialty training and has met industry-recognized standards set by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS).

ABOHNS is a widely recognized certifying body for otolaryngologists in the United States and provides certification for physicians who have successfully met industry requirements and standards.

To qualify for ENT board certification, individuals must complete a four-year undergraduate and four-year medical degree, followed by five years of specialty or residency training. Then, the physician must apply for and pass the primary certification examination process, which includes both written and oral exams, and complete continuing certification requirements every year to maintain their certification.

Board-certified physicians may choose to pursue further specialization within otolaryngology. ABOHNS offers subspecialties for three areas within otolaryngology: Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology, Neurotology, and Sleep Medicine. This requires additional accredited training and further examinations in their selected subspecialty.

Why Does ENT Certification Matter?

In the United States, physicians can legally practice medicine if they are licensed by the state where they work. Their practice can include ear, nose, and throat care.

While a medical license is a requirement to practice, board certification is not. It is a voluntary program that indicates that a physician has undergone rigorous specialty training and has met professional standards to practice ENT as their medical specialty.

Board certification may reflect a physician’s commitment to education and quality standards, but it does not guarantee individual patient outcomes.

Patients can check a physician’s certification status at CertificationMatters.org, a free service affiliated with the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Why Board Certification Matters More Than Online Ratings for ENT Clinics

While online ratings and reviews offer useful insight into patient experiences, board certification reflects completion of additional specialty training and continuing education requirements. While it does not guarantee quality of care or patient outcomes, for some patients, this may be a helpful indicator to help them evaluate and choose a provider.

Additionally, the pursuit of certification provides an avenue for physicians to know the latest advancements and technologies in their field of specialty.

FAQs About Glen Allen, VA, ENTs

ENT vs otolaryngologist

An ENT and an otolaryngologist refer to the same medical provider. While “ENT” is the more commonly used term because it’s easier to remember, “otolaryngologist” is the official medical term.

Otolaryngologists prefer the latter term because it recognizes that they are trained to diagnose and treat more than just the conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. The term is also more consistent with the name of the board and certification, and is widely recognized by most hospital departments and clinics.

Licensed physician vs board-certified physician

In the United States, physicians are required to be licensed in the state where they work to practice (including ear, nose, and throat care). Licensed physicians may voluntarily choose to pursue specialty education and training to become board-certified in their area of specialty.

A medical license is a requirement to practice, while board certification is optional.

Are all otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeons board-certified?

No, not everyone who practices otolaryngology – head and neck surgery is board-certified. A doctor is only required to obtain a medical license in the state in which they practice. Board certification validates a specialty based on training, education, and assessment requirements by a higher-level certifying body, like the ABOHNS. It’s a voluntary and optional pursuit.

Board-Certified Otolaryngologists Near Me in Glen Allen, VA

If you’re comparing your ENT care options, Richmond Breathe Free is one of many ENT specialists serving Glen Allen, VA. You can learn more about our ENT services on our website, or you can contact us directly with any questions.

Our provider, Dr. Ditto, is a board-certified otolaryngologist in the Richmond metro area. You can find full details on credentials and qualifications on our provider page.