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    Doctor Selection · Dermatologist

    What Is Board Certification in Dermatology?

    Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team

    Board certification in dermatology is granted by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) — an ABMS-recognized specialty board — to physicians who have completed a 4-year residency in dermatology and passed comprehensive written and practical examinations. ABD-certified dermatologists have demonstrated clinical competency in medical dermatology (skin disease diagnosis and treatment) and in most cases basic procedural dermatology. You can verify certification at certificationmatters.org.

    What dermatology residency involves

    Dermatology residency is one of the most competitive in medicine — applicants must complete a one-year medicine internship first. The 3-year dermatology residency that follows involves comprehensive training in skin disease diagnosis, dermoscopy, skin cancer identification, procedural dermatology (biopsies, excisions, Mohs surgery), and basic cosmetic procedures.

    Subspecialty training

    Beyond general dermatology, subspecialties include Mohs micrographic surgery (fellowship-trained skin cancer surgery), cosmetic dermatology (additional training in injectables and energy devices), dermatopathology (microscopic analysis of skin tissue), and pediatric dermatology.

    How to verify

    Visit certificationmatters.org, search the dermatologist's name, and select "Dermatology" as the specialty. Membership in the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is an additional indicator — members are required to meet ethical and professional standards.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can a nurse practitioner or PA perform Botox and laser treatments?

    Yes. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can perform aesthetic procedures in most states under physician supervision. The level of supervision required varies by state. For medical diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, a board-certified dermatologist provides the highest level of expertise.

    What is the difference between a dermatologist and a medical aesthetician?

    A dermatologist is a medical doctor with 4 years of residency training. A medical aesthetician is a licensed skincare professional who performs facials and basic treatments but cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medications.

    Is a cosmetic dermatologist different from a regular dermatologist?

    Cosmetic dermatology is not a separate specialty — it refers to a dermatologist who has additional training or focus in aesthetic procedures. All board-certified dermatologists have medical training; cosmetic dermatologists have developed additional expertise in injectables, lasers, and aesthetic medicine beyond their residency training.

    Should I see a board-certified dermatologist for Botox and fillers?

    Board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons represent the highest level of training for injectable treatments. Both specialties have deep anatomical knowledge essential for safe, effective results. Many aesthetic procedures are also performed by trained NPs, PAs, and other providers — the training and experience of the individual provider matters alongside their credential level.

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