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Design Element

Path for Specialty Dentists

Certification

Route 3:

Specialty Dentists Seeking Certification

This path is for dentists who have completed a U.S. ADA/CODA or Canada CDAC accredited programs in Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, or Periodontics, or a U.S./Canada–based residency in Implant Dentistry.

Specialists bring advanced clinical training that closely aligns with implant dentistry, and this route recognizes that background while upholding ABOI’s rigorous certification standards.

Process Overview

  1. Submit application, required documentation and fees (see below for steps) no later than December 1.
  2. Proceed directly to Part II: Oral/Case Examination (Route 3 applicants are exempt from the Part I Written Examination).
  3. Achieve Diplomate status upon successful completion of the examination.
  4. December 1 is the deadline for all applications, fees, and case submissions.

Eligibility Requirements for Specialty Applicants

1. Dental degree and licensure

  • Applicants must hold a DMD/DDS degree or equivalent. A copy of your degree is required with your application.
  • Applicants must be a licensed practicing dentist.  A copy of your professional dental license with the current expiration date is required with your application.

2. Specialty residency completion

Applicants must have successfully completed one of the following programs within the United States or Canada:

  • Applicants have completed at least a 2-year full time university graduate level program in Implant Dentistry in the U.S. or Canada. Approved U.S. Implant Dentistry programs include but not limited to Loma Linda University or Jacksonville University, or
  • Applicants have completed at least a 2-year program from an ADA/CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) or CDAC (Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada)-specialty residency in:
    • Oral Surgery
    • Prosthodontics
    • Periodontics

Examination Pathway

Specialty applicants complete one examination component:

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.

Route 3 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:

  1. Under Need an Account?, click Apply for Account.
  2. 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:

  • 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.

ABOI/ID Account Login