OCE Application Details

How to Apply

Applications are available electronically via your Candidate profile on the ABOMS website. Supporting materials must be uploaded to your application file on the website. All application materials will be reviewed by the ABOMS Board and professional team for approval.

ABOMS goes to great lengths to assist Candidates when participating in the certification process. In return, it is requested that individuals seeking Board Certification comply with set requirements and deadlines. All application materials must be received by the stated deadline.

Application Requirements

• Verification of Hospital Staff Privileges Appointment
• Verification of Current Licensure
• Professional Badge Image
• Application Fee of $465 (waived for Candidates on their second and third attempt)
• Examination Fee of $2,935

Education

Candidates for certification by ABOMS must have graduated from a U.S. or Canadian dental school that is recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. They must have also completed advanced education in an oral and maxillofacial surgery program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association.

Hospital Staff Privileges

Candidates must have the ability to manage patient care at a hospital where they maintain privileges to perform core oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. A hospital is an institution primarily engaged in providing, by or under the supervision of physicians, in patient diagnostic and therapeutic services or rehabilitation services; and is accredited by the Joint Commission or approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Privileges at an ambulatory surgery center are acceptable if it is associated with a hospital where the Candidate maintains surgical privileges.

Candidates that are actively enrolled in an ADA accredited fellowship may use the hospital privileges they have as part of their fellowship. Candidates must provide documentation from the institute verifying their enrollment in the fellowship that includes their start and anticipated end date. An individual with limited licensure, which permits practice only under supervision, such as a “resident license” or a “fellowship license,” is not enough to satisfy the licensure requirement.

Candidates must use the ABOMS approved form labeled Verification of Hospital Staff Privileges and upload the completed document to their application.

Verification of Current Licensure

Candidates seeking Board Certification must have a current unrestricted dental/medical license. The photocopy must clearly state an active status. An individual with limited licensure, which permits practice only under supervision, such as a “resident license” or a “fellowship license,” is not enough to satisfy the licensure requirement

To learn more about the requirements for submitting an OCE application, download the 2026 Oral Certifying Examination Handbook.

Badge Image

Candidates must upload a professional photo to their profile. This photo will appear on the Candidates exam day badge. Images will be viewed by the ABOMS Board and Examiners. Images with logos, university names, selfies, and with other individuals are not accepted. Scrubs, athletic or military uniforms will not be accepted. Pictures must have a nondescript background. A profile image is an application requirement.