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    5. .dds

    Search For .dds Domain

    Type
    Generic top-level domain
    Registry
    GoDaddy Registry
    Operator
    Registry Services, LLC
    Launched
    Registration term
    1–10 years
    DNSSEC
    Supported
    IDN
    Supported

    About .dds domain

    .dds is a sponsored generic top-level domain (sTLD) intended for a specific professional community. It was delegated by ICANN in May 2016, though a public launch date had not been set at the time of delegation. The registry operator is Top Level Domain Holdings Ltd. (TLDH), which submitted a Public Interest Commitment as part of its application.

    Who can register .dds domain

    Registration for a .dds domain name is restricted to verified, qualified professionals. Specifically, it is open only to licensed Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) practicing in the United States. Applicants will need to provide documentation to prove their professional credentials and eligibility during the registration process. This verification is mandatory to obtain a .dds domain.

    How to register .dds domain

    As a restricted, sponsored TLD not yet launched for public registration, .dds domains are not available through standard commercial registrars. The allocation process will be managed by the sponsoring organization and registry. Eligible professionals must submit an application along with proof of their credentials directly to the designated verification authority. Successful verification will grant the applicant the right to register a corresponding .dds domain name.

    Typical uses of .dds domain

    The .dds extension is designed specifically for dental professionals in the United States who hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Its primary use case is to provide a dedicated, professional namespace for dentists to establish their online presence, such as for practice websites, professional portfolios, or patient education portals. By using this TLD, practitioners can immediately signal their verified credentials and specialization in the dental field, differentiating themselves from generic alternatives.

    Tips for registering .dds domain

    • Registration will require successful verification of a U.S. Doctor of Dental Surgery license before a domain can be secured.
    • The registry has filed a Public Interest Commitment (PIC) with ICANN, which outlines its obligations to operate the TLD in the interest of the designated community.
    • As a sponsored TLD, policies regarding transfers, renewals, and WHOIS privacy will be defined by the sponsoring organization and may differ from standard gTLDs.

    Frequently asked questions about .dds domain

    Who operates .dds domain?The registry for .dds domains is GoDaddy Registry, administered by Registry Services, LLC.
    Who can register a .dds domain?

    Registration is strictly limited to licensed U.S. dentists who hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. You will need to provide official documentation, such as a state dental board license, to prove your professional status during the application process. The sponsoring organization will verify this information before approving your domain registration.

    Can I transfer a .dds domain between registrars?

    Transfer policies for .dds domains will be established by the sponsoring organization and registry, given its status as a restricted sTLD. It is likely that transfers will require the new registrant to also pass the same professional eligibility verification. You should consult the registry's specific transfer policy once it is published at launch.

    What is a Public Interest Commitment (PIC) for a TLD?

    A Public Interest Commitment is a set of voluntary pledges a registry operator makes to ICANN regarding how it will operate the TLD. For .dds, the applicant's PIC outlines its commitment to serve the dental surgery community and uphold specific registration restrictions. These commitments are legally binding and enforceable through ICANN's compliance processes.

    Can a dental corporation or practice register a .dds domain?

    The intended use and eligibility focus on individual licensed professionals. Whether a practice or corporation can register a domain would depend on the final policies set by the sponsoring organization, which may require the domain to be linked to a verified practicing dentist. Clarification on entity registration will be provided at launch.

    What happens if a registrant's dental license expires or is revoked?

    For a TLD restricted to licensed professionals, it is common for the registry to have policies requiring ongoing eligibility. The registry likely reserves the right to suspend or cancel a .dds domain registration if the registrant's professional license is no longer valid. Registrants should maintain their credentials in good standing.