ABAGD Accreditation
Accreditation by the American Board of Advanced General Dentistry recognizes dentists who
demonstrate wide-ranging and deep mastery across all domains of dentistry and a commitment to lifelong learning.
2026 Examination Dates will be announced soon.
Overview
ABAGD accreditation elevates a general dentist to an advanced standard that spans diagnosis and treatment planning, restorative/esthetics, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral & maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral medicine/pathology, public health, implants/biomaterials, radiology, anesthesia, infection control, and ethics/professionalism.
- Depth & Breadth: Verified competence across the full scope of dentistry.
- Assessment: Two-part examination (written + oral) administered annually.
- Currency: Ongoing CME/CPD and ethical practice.
Eligibility
- Current, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in your jurisdiction.
- Documented clinical experience evidencing comprehensive general practice.
- Good standing regarding ethics and professionalism; no unresolved disciplinary actions.
- Agreement to the ABAGD Code of Ethics and continuing education policy.
Once eligibility is approved, candidates have three (3) calendar years to sit and pass both Parts I & II. If unsuccessful or if the window expires, candidacy resets and re-application is required.
Exam Structure
Part I · Written
- Format: 350 single-best-answer questions.
- Duration: 4 hours; one continuous session.
- Cadence: Once per year.
- Scope: Comprehensive general dentistry (see Overview).
- Outcome: Passing Part I confers eligibility for Part II.
Part II · Oral
Two components conducted by examiners across specialties:
- Treatment-Planning Boards: Defend comprehensive plans for Board-provided cases (alternatives, risks/benefits, sequencing, materials, prognosis, maintenance).
- Multidisciplinary Viva: Examiners in periodontics, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry, endodontics, oral & maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral medicine/pathology, public health, dental materials/implants, and ethics/professionalism.
Part II is administered once annually and scheduled a minimum of 3 months after the Part I window.
Scoring & Passing Standard
- Criterion-referenced standard setting for fairness/consistency.
- To achieve Pass, candidates must meet or exceed the passing standard on each component.
- Failure of any component yields an overall Fail; re-entry per policy after the three-year window or as specified.
Timeline & Windows
- Eligibility Review: Rolling; typical decision 4–6 weeks.
- Part I (Written): Offered once per year.
- Gap: ≥ 3 months between Part I and Part II scheduling.
- Part II (Oral): Offered once per year; limited seats.
- Completion Window: 3 calendar years from eligibility approval to pass both parts.
How to Apply
- Prepare documents: license, CV, comprehensive case log, CE record, and ethics attestation.
- Complete the Online Application on the application page.
- On approval, you will be invited to book Part I. After passing, request Part II scheduling.
- Attend the orientation webinar and review the candidate handout.
- Sit for the examinations and await results via your candidate portal.
Key Policies
- Attempt Limits: Complete all requirements within the 3-year eligibility window.
- Deferrals: Documented medical/compassionate grounds before deadlines.
- Academic Integrity: Strict security and proctoring; misconduct may lead to permanent ineligibility.
- Accessibility: Reasonable accommodations available upon request.
Recertification & CME
To maintain ABAGD accreditation in good standing, Diplomates must complete approved continuing education annually and uphold the ABAGD Code of Ethics. Keep certificates and learning outcomes; random audits may occur.