Apply for the 2021 Exam
Click Here to Download the 2021 Guidelines
Application Requirements
Applicants must meet the requirements of one of the following three categories in order to apply:
Clinical Applicant
- Dental degree (DDS or DMD) or equivalent
- Active unrestricted license to practice dentistry in the United States, including territories, or Canada.
Academic Applicant
- Dental degree (DDS or DMD) or equivalent
- Active, restricted license to practice dentistry in the United States or Canada.
- Full-time employee of an accredited dental school
International Certificant Applicant
- Not a permanent resident of the United States or Canada
- Dental degree (DDS or DMD) or equivalent
- Active, unrestricted license to practice dentistry outside of the United States or Canada.
Ethics
The ABDSM expects all candidates to comply with the most recent American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. Honor violations are taken seriously and may result in disqualification or retraction of certification status.Apply for the 2021 ABDSM Exam
Applicants must choose one of the following tracks to apply for the exam.Learn more:
Traditional Track | Mastery Track |
NOTICE: The 2021 Exam Cycle is the final year to apply as a Traditional Track Applicant. |
Preparing for the 2021 Exam
The ABDSM is proud to offer study aids for all exam applicants, such as the Test Blueprint, Nomenclature for Device Characterizations, and Recommended Reading List. Other ways to prepare for the exam include:
- Taking the AADSM Board Review Course.
- Reviewing the AADSM Standards of Practice.
- If you are a Mastery Applicant, reviewing your course materials from your program.