Becoming a Diplomate
Demonstrate excellence by becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine is an important way to demonstrate your clinical knowledge and experience in the provision of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The ABDSM publishes guidelines that outline all the rules and requirements for earning and maintaining Diplomate status. While the information on the ABDSM website summarizes the guidelines, applicants and Diplomates are responsible for knowing and following ABDSM Guidelines.
NOTICE: The 2021 Exam Cycle is the final year to apply as a Traditional Track Applicant.
2021 Diplomate Exam: May 16-30, 2021
| Application Submission | The ABDSM accepts applications during a specified application window each fall. Applications are expected to be complete at the time of submission, including all required prerequisites and payment of the ABDSM fee. | October 1-31, 2020 |
| Application Acceptance | The ABDSM reviews all submitted applications for completion and compliance with the required prerequisites. Notification of application acceptance is provided via email by the specified date. | February 1, 2021 |
| Refund Deadline | An applicant may withdraw from the process at any time. Refunds are provided according to the ABDSM’s refund policy up to the specified date. | February 15, 2021 |
| Exam Registration | The ABDSM examination is offered during a 2-week window, in which candidates may select a date and time for their exam. Instructions for registering for an exam session are sent via email after applications have been approved by the ABDSM Board. | After application acceptance |
| Notification of Exam Results | At the conclusion of the 2-week testing window, the ABDSM reviews and certifies the exam scoring. Results are sent via regular mail within 6-8 weeks. | July 30, 2021 |
Fees
| Clinical Applicant | $995 USD |
| Academic Applicant | $995 USD |
| International Applicant | $995 USD |
| Active-Duty Military Applicant (with verification) | $250 USD |
Payment is due at the time of application; an online payment link is provided in the application confirmation email at submission.
The ABDSM accepts the following forms of payment: 
Refund Policy
Withdrawals prior to notification of application acceptance by the ABDSM Board will be issued a full refund, less administrative fees. If the application is not accepted by the ABDSM Board (All Tracks), a refund of $395 USD will be provided. Board-accepted applications that are withdrawn prior to February 15, 2021 will receive a refund of $395 USD. Board-accepted applications withdrawn after February 15, 2021 are not entitled to a refund.All refunds are at the discretion of the ABDSM Board of Directors.Refunds outside these parameters (such as a late withdrawal due to a medical emergency) may be requested by submitting written documentation to the ABDSM, by emailing info@abdsm.org. All refund requests may be subject to an administrative fee which will be withheld from the amount of the refund.
All refund and withdrawals requests should be sent to info@abdsm.org
Begin your journey by viewing the ABDSM's eligibility policies & selecting a path to Diplomate Status:
| View Eligibility Criteria | |
| View Traditional Path NOTICE: The 2021 Exam Cycle is the final year to apply as a Traditional Track Applicant. | View Mastery Path |