Credentialing Program
When can I apply for either Certificate?
The AO Master and Diplomate applications are available from March – October. Please check the website at osseo.org for any updates.
What is the process to apply for the AO Master or Diplomate Certificate?
After the October application deadline, if your application is complete, you will be invited to take an online examination. If you pass that exam, you will be invited to present your cases prior to the start of the AO’s the upcoming Annual Meeting as part of an oral examination.
I am a General Dentist. Do I have to earn my CE credit/hands-on training in one of the designated training centers?
Yes. If you are a General Dentist or a Non-NCRDSCB Specialist, you must successfully pass an implant program through one of the AO designated training centers.
I am a Specialist who received my specialty degree outside of a North-American University. Do I need to attend a program through an AO designated Training Center?
Yes. If you are a Non-NCRDSCB Specialist, you must successfully pass an implant program through one of the AO designated training centers.
Do my cases need to be completed by the application deadline?
Yes, your cases should be completed and included in the online application.
How do I submit my cases?
The case information should be uploaded within the application. Corresponding images can be uploaded there as well. Please place all images for each case together in a PowerPoint, Keynote or Word document. Keynote files will need to be converted to a pdf-formatted file for upload.
Are the application fees refundable?
Unfortunately, the application fees are not refundable.
I want to apply for the combined Surgical/Restorative Certificate. What cases should I submit?
For the dual certificate, you should include 1 case with grafting and either 1 single unit restoration, 1 multiple unit restoration or 1 implant supported overdenture or fixed partial denture.
Once I receive the AO Certificate, how do I maintain my Certificate status?
A $250 recertification renewal fee will be required for both the AO Master and Diplomate Certificate holders with a renewal period of six (6) years. Fifty (50) hours of additional CE credit hours in Implant Dentistry within that time period and attendance at two (2) AO Annual Meetings are required.
Do I have to achieve the Master Certificate in order to apply for the Diplomate Certificate?
No, you may apply for the Diplomate Certificate without having applied for the Master Certificate, however, students and general dentists are encouraged to apply for the Master Certificate first.
Do I need to attend the Annual Meeting in person for the oral exam?
Yes, you must register/pay the appropriate registration fees for the annual meeting and attend the exam in person. If you reside outside the U.S. and you can provide documentation that your visa was denied, you will be able to conduct your oral exam via zoom.
What is the format of the online exam?
Currently, the online exam is scheduled through the AO office based on your availability. We use a combination of Zoom and Surveymonkey to administer the exam. The exam should take around 60 minutes to complete.
If English is not my primary language, how can I take the exams in the language I prefer?
The online exam can be translated through AI and provided to you in your preferred language. The AO will attempt to find a member translator for the oral exam. However, if a committee member is unable to translate, you may be responsible for the fees to hire a professional translator.
Are there materials for me to study prior to the online exam?
Yes, the Credentialing Committee has created a study guide for you to reference prior to the exam:
2026 Literature Review