Board Certification

What does it mean to be Board Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Board certification is very important distinction. It represents a commitment and dedication beyond an already lengthy and demanding surgical residency training.

In order to become board certified, an individual must complete an intensive application and examination process. Applicants for board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery must first provide verified written evidence of their educational and training qualifications. You must also provide evidence of clinical experience in all aspects of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

It can easily take several years following completion of the residency program to have the clinical experience and documentation just to qualify to apply to take the board examination. The applications are reviewed by the Board’s Credentials Committee and if accepted you are the allowed to take a comprehensive written examination covering the entire specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery. If a candidate passes the written examination they are then allowed to go to the next step, which is a very rigorous oral certifying examination that is two entire days in duration. If the surgeon passes the oral exam he/she is now certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. In order to maintain their certification, Diplomates are recertified in current competency every 10 years by a comprehensive written examination.

Dr. Muse is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and he has recently passed the rigorous recertification examination. This represents an incredible amount of time and dedication to his specialty and to his patients. Dr. Muse is constantly attending specialty continuation education course to advance his knowledge and abilities, in addition to lecturing at many continuing education seminars himself.

To learn more about the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, visit their website at www.aboms.org.