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 and required documentation
- 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.
Step 1: Start Your Application
Ready to apply? Create an account to begin your application as an international candidate. You will be prompted to submit your required documents — including degree verification, licensure, CE records, and English translations where applicable — through our secure portal.
Applicants may return to and continue their in-progress application at any time by logging back in.