Training, Experience & Credentials

When you choose an AAID-credentialed dental implant dentist, you can rest assured you’re choosing an expert with the education, training, experience, and proficiency to evaluate your needs, design a personalized treatment plan, and successfully complete it.

In addition to earning the AAID Fellow or AAID Associate Fellow credentials, AAID members can also achieve certification and validation of their proficiency by becoming Diplomates of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID), which was chartered by the AAID in 1969.

Here’s a summary of the qualifications for each credential

AAID Credential:
Associate Fellow

AAID Credential:
Fellow

ABOI/ID:
Certified Diplomate

Licensed dentist Licensed dentist AND Associate Fellow of AAID or Diplomate of ABOI/ID Multiple Routes to become a Diplomate:

  1. Graduate of Dental Implantology Program a minimum of 2 years in length
  2. Board certified specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics or prosthodontics
  3. Non-Board-certified specialist
  4. General Dentist
  5. Associate Fellow or Fellow of the AAID
Completed at least 300 hours of postdoctoral or continuing education related to implant dentistry Completed at least 400 hours of postdoctoral or continuing education related to implant dentistry General dentists must have a minimum of 670 continuing education hours, 350 of which are part of a continuum of training in implantology, Associate Fellows and Fellows are required to have 570 continuing education hours, 350 of which are part of a continuum of training in implantology
1 or more years of experience in the practice of implant dentistry 5 or more years of experience in the practice of implant dentistry 7 or more years of experience in the practice of implant dentistry
Experienced in surgical placement of dental implants and/or the replacement of teeth Knowledgeable in all phases of implant dentistry, including both the surgical placement of dental implants and the replacement of teeth The examination measures competency in all phases of implant dentistry.  Candidates rotate through a series of stations, 4 of which are standardized cases and 2 are where candidates defend cases that they submit to the Board
Passed in-depth written and oral/case examinations demonstrating competency in implant dentistry Passed in-depth oral/case examination demonstrating competency in implant dentistry Graduates of a two-year implantology program and Board-certified specialists are exempt from taking the written examination.  All other routes must pass an in-depth written and oral examination for the exception of Fellows of the AAID
Demonstrated competency in implant dentistry through 5 standardized cases and the presentation and in-depth discussion of one’s own patient cases, including the successful use of dental implants to restore a single tooth, multiple teeth and a full set of teeth (arch) Demonstrated competency in all phases of implant dentistry cases, through 5 standardized cases and in-depth discussion of 10 of one’s own patient cases, including placing dental implants in challenging situations and in patients with jawbone deficiencies, among others Demonstrated competency in all phases of implant dentistry cases, through 5 standardized cases and in-depth discussion of 10 of one’s own patient cases, including placing dental implants in challenging situations and in patients with jawbone deficiencies, among others
Attended at least one of every three consecutive AAID annual scientific meetings Attended at least one of every three consecutive AAID annual scientific conferences