What Does it Mean to be Board Certified in Oral Surgery?

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) is the certifying board for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United States. It is recognized and approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure of the American Dental Association. The mission of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is to assure the public of safe and optimal care through the development and maintenance of high standards of certification and re-certification of Diplomates in the specialty. To this end, the ABOMS establishes criteria for competence and knowledge that determines the standards of care to safely practice the specialty.  Those individuals who demonstrate achievement of this extensive training, experience and knowledge are granted board certification, indicated by title Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

In order to become Board Certified, surgeons must complete a rigorous application and examination process that extends over several years. Applicants to the ABOMS must provide verifiable evidence of their educational and training qualifications, as well as experience.  Each application is carefully reviewed for proper credentials. The process of board certification requires the candidate to pass both a thorough written qualifying examination and an intense oral certifying examination.

The ABOMS strongly encourages its Diplomates to continue their professional development through various educational experiences. As a Diplomate of the ABOMS, Dr. Wood maintains his excellent level of care through ongoing professional education that includes national meetings, seminars, lectures, special courses, panels, symposia, and self-assessment tools.