The British Association of Oral Surgeons (BAOS) wishes to raise concern regarding an increasing number of oral surgery courses whose promotional material implies equivalence to specialist registration or Tier 2 (enhanced practice) status.

Such claims, whether explicit or implied, are misleading. Completion of a course, whether commercial or university-based, does not constitute approved specialty training, confer eligibility for entry to a GDC specialist list, nor automatically lead to Tier 2 recognition, which depends on defined competence frameworks, governance, and local commissioning arrangements.

This blurring of boundaries between continuing professional development and regulated pathways risks confusing dentists, employers, commissioners, and patients. It may lead practitioners to inadvertently misrepresent their status or scope of competence, with potential implications for patient safety and regulatory compliance.

We urge education providers to ensure absolute clarity and accuracy in course marketing and certification, and we encourage the profession to remain vigilant in upholding transparent and robust standards for recognition in oral surgery.