WHAT IS BOARD CERTIFICATION?
In general, board certification means that a specialist has successfully passed an examination established by an independent authority (board) for the specialty. A Board Certified Prosthodontist has passed a rigorous four-part examination conducted by the American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP). He or she is subject to re-certification every eight years to ensure that he or she is current in practices that affect the specialty.
HOW CAN I BECOME BOARD CERTIFIED?
If you haven't previously registered click here.
See below for some of our Frequently Asked Questions. Exams are held twice a year, in February and in the fall, not including the written Section A exams, which are held at an alternate date.
WHY SHOULD I BECOME BOARD CERTIFIED?
Prosthodontists choose to seek board certification at many different stages of their careers. Some begin the process during their prosthodontic residencies, while others take the exam after many years of experience in academia or private practice.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My dentist is listed as a prosthodontist. Does that mean he or she is board certified?
Some states allow the listing but it does not necessarily mean that an individual is board certified. Any graduate of an accredited dental school is permitted to practice prosthodontics. Some individuals choose to receive additional post-graduate training and complete a three-year program in prosthodontic training. Many of these individuals choose to become board certified but some do not. Board certification establishes that the individual has successfully completed a four-part examination and is subjected to re-certification every eight years to insure that he/she is current in practices that affect the specialty.
How can I determine if my prosthodontist is board certified?
Search the Board Certified Prosthodontist directory. Exams are issued twice a year, so check back if your dentist is not currently listed.
How do I get an application to become board eligible?
First, create a profile in our system (if you haven't already). once you log into your account, you will see a Candidacy Application. You must complete that application and be approved to be considered for board eligibility. That application will require one of two documents: If you are currently in your third year of residency in a speciality prosthodontics program, then you must upload a letter from your program director indicating your graduation date, and that you are in good standing. If you have already graduated, then you must submit a notarized copy of your specialty prosthodontics certificate. If you have further questions, please take a look below.
I completed my application and included the requested documentation. How long does it take to be approved?
Typically this takes 1–2 business days. You can check your profile to see if you have been approved. If you have, you will see any exams for which you are able to register at that time. You should also receive an email confirming your status.
When will the examinations be given in future years?
The next two examinations will be listed in the Upcoming Exam Dates section of the website.
What are the deadlines for the exam(s)?
The deadline for the written exam is January 31. The exam is currently in early April. The deadline for the oral exams is 60 days prior to the respective exam. Those exams are currently offered in mid-February and early November. The deadlines for those are mid-December, and early September, respectively.
How can a third year student receive an application?
Create an account, which is an option available under the member login area above. once you create an account, you will find a candidacy application available on your dashboard.
What is the cost of an examination part?
Please refer to the Examination Guidelines for the Certification Process, under Section 2 Certification & Re-Certification Processes.
What do I do if the guidelines fail to answer my question?
For questions about the certifying examination and examination logistics, contact us here. Please note that The American Board of Prosthodontics will not provide guidance regarding specific therapies that must be determined and justified by the candidate during the examination.
For other questions, email us at info@abpros.org:
- Candidate required qualifications
- Application to become Board eligible
- Confirmation that the submitted qualifying credentials are complete
- Online payments – candidate application for Board-eligibility, examination application fees, dues, recertification, credential verification, etc.
- Continuing education entry (for Diplomates)
- Recertification timing (for Diplomates)
- Questions about dues (for Diplomates)
- Request for documents (for Diplomates)
- Other