Be recognized for your achievement and expertise.
The Academy of Osseointegration’s credentialing program recognizes practitioners who demonstrate advanced education, training, and expertise in implant dentistry. Designed to elevate the standard of implant care worldwide, this program encourages extended learning, promotes excellence in implant education, and supports better patient outcomes through highly qualified clinicians. Practitioners who meet the established criteria may earn either the AO Master Certificate or the AO Diplomate Certificate.
Application Process
Applicants may prepare for Surgical, Restorative or a combination of both Surgical and Restorative Certificates for either the Master or Diplomate certificates by completing the online application and paying the appropriate fees.
Documented cases and images (clinical and radiographs) must be included in the application. All applications are due October 31 for recognition at the next AO Annual Meeting in March.
Once your application is approved, applicants will be invited to register for a one-hour online exam in December/January administered through Survey Monkey and proctored through Zoom. This online exam is multiple choice and includes approximately 50 questions.
Upon passing the online exam, applicants will be invited to attend the oral exam at the upcoming AO Annual Meeting where they will be scheduled to meet with at least two AO Credentialing Board Member to present their cases (included in their original application) and defend their treatment decisions.
Awardees will be recognized during the AO Annual Meeting in which their oral exams are held.
Applicants currently enrolled in a North American University Specialist Program (Periodontics, Prosthodontics or Oral Maxillofacial Surgery) should only apply for the Master Certificate.
Early-career clinicians are encouraged to apply for the Master Certificate. Once the Master Certificate is received, you can then apply the following year for the Diplomate Certificate.
Both the AO Master and Diplomate Certificates are valid for six (6) years and require reapplication for renewal.
Specialist Requirements
Specialists are not required to provide proof of CE if they have received their Specialty Certificate (in Periodontics, Prosthodontics or Oral Maxillofacial Surgery) from a North-American based accredited university. All other applicants should apply under the General Practitioner category.
General Practitioner Requirements
Includes Non-NCRDSCB Specialists (National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialists and Certifying Boards)
General practitioner applicants and non-NCRDSCB specialists must complete the certificate track in one of the AO-approved Training Centers. No other means of educational credits will be accepted including certifications from ICOI and AAID as well as university-based implant programs.
AO Authorized Training Centers
Currently, AO has eight (8) approved training centers that meet AO’s strict academic and training criteria. These programs provide advanced education and training in the art of dental implants. All training centers must meet or exceed AO’s Training Provider requirements for Master/Diplomate Clinician Courses in Implant Dentistry. These qualified institutions have ensured that sufficient faculty, financial resources, and academic support exist and comply with AO’s requirements. Each qualified institution site has the necessary professional, technical, and clinical personnel to comply with AO’s requirements. Upon the completion of the training center programs, participants are prepared to take either the Master or Diplomate online credentialing exam; must submit the required amount of case presentations; and successfully pass the required in-person oral exam in order to receive their respective certificate.