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Certification

Why Become Board-Certified in Dental Public Health?

Certification by the American Board of Dental Public Health demonstrates that you have the required education, specialized knowledge, and skills to earn board certification in this ADA-recognized dental specialty.   It also demonstrates your commitment to the field through continuing education focused on emerging and established Dental Public Health issues. 

Board Certification also demonstrates to employers that you have expertise in contemporary Dental Public Health, and successfully passed an examination that reflects mastery of its competencies.

By becoming Board-Certified in Dental Public Health, you demonstrate your dedication to meeting and maintaining a national standard for the specialty and agree to adhere to the specialty’s professional values and ethics.

Dentists earn Board Certification based on education and successful completion of a written qualifying examination and certifying examination. Additional details about the Qualifying Exam and ABDPH Board Certification is available in the Candidate’s Guide as well as the ABDPH Policies on Testing.

Steps to Certification

  • Apply for the Qualifying Exam

    Submit the application, required files, and $700 application fee.

    Qualifying Exam Details

    December 1st Deadline

  • Take the Exam

    Take the exam within 3 years.

    You will be notified of your score and eligibility to move on to the Certifying Exam.

    March / April

  • Apply for Board Eligibility and Certifying Exam

    Apply for Board Eligibility within 5 years.

    Submit the first part of the fee($500) and supporting documents. You will be informed of Board Eligibility by September 25th.

    Certifying Exam Details

    August 15th

  • Submit Project Reports

    Upload and submit your project reports and remaining fee($1000). You will be notified about project report status around February 1st.

    October 1st

  • Oral Certifying Exam

    Take the Oral Exam within 5 years.

    Oral exam takes place immediately preceding the National Oral Health Conference. You are assigned to 2 days - one for the project reports and one for the assigned problem.

    April

  • Diplomate Status Achieved

    Certificate mailed.

    Early May


Dental Public Health (DPH) is one of the dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). The American Board of Dental Public Health (ABDPH) is the certifying board for dental public health specialists.

Contact Us

19 Colonnade Way, 
Suite 117, PMB#184
State College, PA 16803-2319

Email: executive.director@abdph.org
Phone: 570-478-1225

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