The American Board of Periodontology was established in 1939 by the American Academy of Periodontology. The mission of the American Board of Periodontology is to advance and elevate the quality of periodontal care through examination, certification, and recertification of periodontists through Diplomate status.
Diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology have made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty. To achieve Board certification, periodontists must:
- Have completed dental school and have earned a DDS or DMD degree.
- Be a certified periodontist.
- Complete a comprehensive qualifying and oral examination covering all phases of periodontal disease and its treatments, including dental implants.
- Recertification every six years.