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About the ABE

What is the American Board of Endodontics?

The American Association of Endodontists sponsors the American Board of Endodontics. Founded in 1956, the American Board of Endodontics is the only certifying board for the specialty of endodontics and is one of the specialty boards recognized by the American Dental Association.

The activities of the ABE conform to the "Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties and National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists" of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Education and Licensure.

The purpose of the ABE is to assure the public that the endodontists it certifies have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill, and expertise in the specialty of endodontics and to progressively raise the quality of patient care.

Please follow the links below to learn more about the ABE:


What are the Requirements to Become Board-Certified in Endodontics?

Certification, a voluntary process, requires a review of the applicant’s education and successful completion of the three-part examination process.

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Education Qualifications

Successful completion of an ADA-accredited postdoctoral program in endodontics.

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Definitions

Educationally Qualified Endodontist:

An endodontist who has been issued a certificate in endodontics from an advanced education program in endodontics accredited by either CODA or CDAC who has not yet submitted or has not had their ABE application and credentials approved by the ABE credentials committee.

Prospective Board Candidate:

An endodontic resident, enrolled in the year that the certificate in endodontics will be issued from an advanced education program in endodontics accredited by either the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the ADA, or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), whose application and payment for the Written Examination fee have been accepted and approved by the ABE.

Board-Eligible Endodontist:

Board Eligible status is only available to endodontists that have received a certificate in endodontics by an advanced education program in endodontics accredited by CODA or CDAC. Qualified endodontists may achieve Board Eligible status by completing a Preliminary application followed by approval of the ABE credentials committee.

Board Certified Endodontist:

An endodontist, who has satisfied all requirements of the certification process of the ABE, has been declared Board Certified by the ABE Board of Directors (BOD) and maintains Active Registered Diplomate status. This individual holds a current, unexpired certificate from the ABE and may declare themselves as a Diplomate of the ABE or Board Certified Endodontist.

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ABE Certificate

A certificate bearing the seal of the ABE and signatures of the Directors of the Board shall be awarded to each successful Candidate.

The Directors of the ABE shall have the power to suspend temporarily or to revoke permanently any certificate issued by the Board on presentation of sufficient evidence that the person in whose name the certificate is issued has not fulfilled the current requirements of the Board or has ceased to conduct an ethical practice according to the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. The certificate remains the property of the ABE and must be surrendered upon revocation. The Diplomate has the right to appeal the suspension/revocation of Board Certification.

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Mission Statement

The American Association of Endodontists sponsors the American Board of Endodontics. Founded in 1956, the American Board of Endodontics is the only certifying board for the specialty of endodontics and is recognized by the American Dental Association.

ABE Diplomate status is awarded to qualified Candidates who have demonstrated diagnostic skill, clinical proficiency, and professional judgment of a level that promotes the highest quality of care for patients. They have taken an examination administered by a panel of experts of their peers and have demonstrated an exemplary level of knowledge, understanding, and clinical expertise in endodontics.

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