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Certification

Certification

The American Board of Prosthodontics (ABP) recognizes its responsibility to the profession and to the public, and accepts this responsibility through the administration of examinations designed to identify individuals with the knowledge, skills, and attributes deemed important to those who will be called Diplomates of the ABP. 


Certification for the Specialty of Prosthodontics 

By the authority of the American Dental Association and the Council on Dental Education, the ABP is empowered to issue certification in the specialty of prosthodontics. Successful certification attests to a dentist’s knowledge, ability, and proficiency in the specialty of prosthodontics.

Purple chair in a nice clean dental office
A young man looks at a computer with pencil in hand ready to study

Candidacy Designations

The following designations are used to determine candidate status in the certification process: 

Postgraduate Student/Resident

An individual in an advanced specialty education program in prosthodontics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in the United States or Canada. Beginning in the third year of formal prosthodontic training, this individual may challenge:

  • One (1) Section B patient presentation oral examination, and/or 
  • The Section A written examination. 

Prosthodontist

A graduate of an advanced specialty education program in prosthodontics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). A prosthodontist is educationally qualified and can apply for and challenge all sections of the ABP exam. 

Candidate

A postgraduate student/ resident or prosthodontist who is actively pursuing certification by the ABP. Prior to examination, all candidates must submit an online completed application at www.abpros.org and be approved by the ABP. 

Diplomate of the ABP 

A prosthodontist who has successfully completed the certification process and who maintains good standing with ABP policies and procedures. 

A young man looks at a computer with pencil in hand ready to study

Certification Resources

To further help members prepare for board certification, the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) offers the following events and resources:

  • Board Study Guide App for iOS and Android tablets and smartphones, updated annually
  • Board Preparation Course at the ACP Annual Session 
  • Prosthodontic Review Course held annually in the fall 
  • Valuable books including Journal of Prosthodontics on Dental Implants, Classic Prosthodontic Articles volumes 1-3.