Path for International Dentists
Certification
Route 2
International Dentists Seeking Certification
This path is for dentists educated and licensed outside the United States or Canada who wish to earn ABOI/ID certification. International applicants who meet the requirements have access to the same respected credential as U.S./Canadian dentists, with documentation and translation requirements to ensure clarity and fairness.
Process Overview
- Submit application, required documentation and fees (see below for steps) no later than December 1.
- Complete Part I: Written Examination.
- Upon passing Part I, sit for Part II: Oral/Case Examination.
- Achieve Diplomate status upon successful completion of both parts.
Eligibility Requirements for International Applicants
1. Dental degree and licensure
- International applicants must hold a valid dental degree (DMD, DDS, or equivalent) and be a licensed practicing dentist in their country of licensure. A copy of your degree and professional dental license with the current expiration date is required with your application.
- All submitted documents (transcripts, CE certificates, license verification, etc.) must be translated into English if they are not already in English.
2. Continuing education (CE) hours
- Applicants must have completed a total of 670 hours of continuing education in implant dentistry related courses.
- CE hours must be documented via certifying-organization letterhead or copies of CE certificates (or AGD CE transcript if applicable). All submitted documents must be translated into English if they are not already.
Optional CE credit from U.S./Canada-based or recognized programs
International applicants may receive credit toward the 670-hour CE requirement if they completed one of the following programs in the U.S. or Canada: GPR, AEGD, 1-year or 2-year Fellow programs.
| U.S. or Canada Based Programs | CE Credit |
|---|---|
| 1-year GPR or AEGD university or hospital-based program | 100 hours |
| 1-year Fellow university or hospital-based program | 100 hours |
| 2-year GPR or AEGD university or hospital-based program | 200 hours |
| 2-year Fellow university or hospital-based program | 200 hours |
| AAID Associate Fellow | 100 hours |
| AAID Fellow | 200 hours* |
*AAID Fellows are exempt from the ABOI Part I Written Examination and will receive 200 CE hours towards the required 670 CE hours.
International residency-based programs in Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, or Implantology may also qualify for CE credit toward the total hours required—subject to review by the ABOI/ID Board of Directors.
| International Specialty Programs | CE Credit |
|---|---|
| International Residency in Oral Surgery | 350 hours |
| International Residency in Prosthodontics | 350 hours |
| International Residency in Periodontics | 350 hours |
| International Residency in Implantology | 350 hours |
Any other completed international programs will be sent to the ABOI/ID Board of Directors for review.
Examination Pathway
With the exception of AAID fellowship, all candidates under Route 2 are required to complete both parts of the ABOI/ID certification exam:
Part I — Written Examination
The written examination is a 200-question, multiple-choice assessment in which candidates must apply their implant dentistry knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios. Each test item includes a question followed by several possible answers, and candidates must choose the one that best fits.
Learn more about and prepare for the written examination.
Part II — Oral/Case Examination
The ABOI/ID Oral Examination requires candidates to submit eight qualifying implant cases and defend selected cases before examiners, demonstrating their knowledge across diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, prosthetics, and current literature.
Using both standardized cases and candidates’ own cases, the exam evaluates clinical reasoning and depth of understanding.
Learn more about and prepare for the oral examination.
Steps for Applying
First-Time Applicants
To begin the application process, you must first create an account. Click the Login button at the top right corner of the page and follow the steps below:
- Under Need an Account?, click Apply for Account.
- Follow the prompts to complete your account registration.
Once your account has been created, you will need to complete the following tasks:
- Route Selection
- CE Submission (required for Routes 1 and 2 only)
- 2027 Eligibility Application – You will be prompted to upload required documents, including degree verification, licensure, and residency program documentation, and pay the application fee through our secure portal.
After all required tasks have been completed, your application will be reviewed.
Once your application has been approved, a new task will become available, allowing you to register for either:
- Part I: Written Examination
- Part II: Oral Examination
Important: Exam registration will not be available until your application has been reviewed and approved. Please allow 5–7 business days for application processing.
Existing Applicants & Candidates
Already have an ABOI account? Simply log in to the ABOI/ID Application Portal and complete any outstanding tasks listed on your dashboard.
Once logged in, your dashboard will display all available tasks, application updates, and examination registration opportunities based on your status.
Note: If you do not see an expected task, your application may still be under review. Please allow 5–7 business days for processing after submitting required materials.
Applicants may return to and continue their in-progress application at any time by logging back in.
December 1 is the deadline for all applications, fees, and case submissions.