How to Choose a Dermatologist: What to Check Before You Book

Published on November 13th, 2026

Choosing a dermatologist comes down to a few checks you can do in minutes: the doctor’s training, who will actually treat you, their experience with your problem, and whether the office fits your insurance and schedule.

1. Confirm board certification

Dermatologists train for more than a decade. After college and four years of medical school, they complete a year-long internship and three years of residency in dermatology, with 12,000 to 16,000 hours of treating patients.

Be careful with the words “board certified,” because there are many types of boards and certifications. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says to look for one of these:

  • FAAD after the doctor’s name. It stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and tells you the dermatologist is board certified.
  • Certification by the American Board of Dermatology.
  • Certification by the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.
  • Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

You can check for yourself at no cost. The American Board of Dermatology’s Dermatologist Search Tool shows whether a doctor is certified by that board. The AAD’s Find a Dermatologist tool lets you search by location, condition and procedure.

To look up a physician’s medical license and any actions taken by a medical board, use DocInfo.org from the Federation of State Medical Boards, or your state medical board’s website.

2. Ask who will actually treat you

Many dermatology offices have more than one kind of clinician.

  • MD or DO: A dermatologist can hold either degree. Check the board certification above.
  • PA: Physician assistants, also called physician associates, are licensed clinicians who practice in every specialty.
  • NP: Nurse practitioners complete a master’s or doctoral program and are licensed in every state, practicing under that state’s rules.

PAs and NPs train differently from a dermatology residency, so when you book, it is fair to ask who you will see and whether you can see the dermatologist.

3. Match the doctor to the problem

Some dermatologists complete additional fellowship training in a particular area. The American Board of Dermatology offers subspecialty certification in dermatopathology, micrographic dermatologic surgery (Mohs surgery) and pediatric dermatology.

  • For a child’s skin, ask how often the doctor treats children, or look for a pediatric dermatologist.
  • For skin cancer that may need Mohs surgery, see our guide on how to find a qualified Mohs surgeon.
  • For cosmetic treatments, read the next section.

4. For cosmetic treatments, ask more

The AAD says your results depend largely on the skill and experience of the person performing the procedure. Questions it suggests asking:

  • Are you a board-certified doctor?
  • How many times have you performed this exact procedure?
  • Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
  • How long will the procedure take, and how many treatments will I need?

Cosmetic procedures, such as treatment for wrinkles, usually are not covered by insurance.

5. Check the practical fit

  • Insurance: Your insurance company is the best source for learning whether a dermatologist is in your network and whether the visit is covered. See our guide on whether you need a referral.
  • Wait time: There can be a wait to see a dermatologist, so ask for the first available appointment.
  • Location and hours: You may need follow-up visits, so choose an office you can get to.

Questions to ask when you call

  • Is the doctor board certified in dermatology, and by which board?
  • Will I see the dermatologist, a PA or an NP?
  • How often does the doctor treat my condition or perform this procedure?
  • Do you take my insurance, and do I need a referral?
  • When is the first available appointment?

Find a dermatologist near you

Browse Top Dermatology by state and city to compare dermatology providers near you. Many listings are compiled from public records and have not been verified by the provider, so confirm details with the office before you book.

Frequently asked questions

What does FAAD mean? FAAD stands for Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. It tells you the dermatologist is board certified.

How long does a dermatologist train? More than a decade, including four years of college, four years of medical school, a year-long internship and three years of dermatology residency.

How do I check if a dermatologist is board certified? Use the American Board of Dermatology’s Dermatologist Search Tool. If the doctor is not listed, the doctor may be certified by another board, and the board suggests checking the American Board of Medical Specialties’ Certification Matters website.

Is a PA or NP the same as a dermatologist? No. PAs and NPs are licensed clinicians, but their training is different from the medical school and dermatology residency a dermatologist completes.

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