What Does it Mean to Be a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

When choosing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, you may notice the designation Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). This distinction represents an additional level of professional achievement beyond completing dental school and surgical residency.

To become a Diplomate, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon must:

• Earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

• Complete an accredited oral and maxillofacial surgery residency, typically lasting four to six years.

• Obtain the required professional licenses and credentials.

• Successfully pass a comprehensive written qualifying examination.

• Pass an extensive oral certifying examination, demonstrating advanced clinical knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to diagnose and manage complex surgical cases.

Board certification is voluntary and represents a significant professional commitment. It demonstrates that a surgeon has met nationally recognized standards of education, training, and clinical competency established by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Diplomates are also expected to maintain their certification through ongoing education and continuing professional development.

At Associates for Oral and Maxillofacial Sugery, all three of our oral surgeons are board-certified Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 

We are proud of this distinction and the dedication to professional excellence it represents. Our doctors are committed to continually advancing their knowledge and skills so they can provide our patients with the highest standard of oral and maxillofacial surgical care.

When selecting an oral surgeon, board certification is one important credential to consider. It reflects a commitment to professional excellence, continued learning, and providing patients with knowledgeable, high-quality surgical care.