Credentials & Professional Affiliations
Patients often ask what board certification and professional fellowships mean. Here’s a clear, plain-English guide.
Explore related topics: IV sedation, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and All‑on‑X.
ABOMS — Board Certification
ABOMS stands for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Board certification is a voluntary credential indicating completion of accredited training and successful participation in a formal evaluation process.
- Reflects advanced specialty training and ongoing professional development.
- Often used by patients and referring dentists as a marker of commitment to the specialty.
AAOMS — Fellow
AAOMS is the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. Fellowship reflects active professional membership within the specialty’s national organization.
- Connects surgeons with education, clinical resources, and evolving standards of care.
- Signals engagement within the oral and maxillofacial surgery community.
Credentials help patients understand training pathways and professional standards, but do not replace individualized planning or communication.
ADSA — Diplomate
ADSA is the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Diplomate status reflects advanced training and a commitment to safe, evidence-based anesthesia care — including both IV sedation and general anesthesia when appropriate.
In dentistry, ADSA diplomate-level recognition is typically pursued by Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and dental anesthesiology specialists and residents. It is not a credential available to general dentists.
Anesthesia training & credentials in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral & maxillofacial surgeons receive formal anesthesia training as part of specialty residency. This training includes local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and deeper levels of anesthesia when clinically appropriate in the office setting.
CODA-accredited OMS residency programs require extensive experience in ambulatory anesthesia, including airway management and the administration of deep sedation and general anesthesia.
ABOMS Diplomates participate in ongoing Certification Maintenance, which includes professional standing requirements and periodic Office Anesthesia Evaluations as described by ABOMS.
OMSNIC, the specialty’s professional liability insurer, emphasizes anesthesia-related safety, team training, and emergency preparedness as part of comprehensive risk-management education.
Learn more about our approach to comfort and safety on our IV Sedation & Anesthesia page.
Questions about credentials or your treatment plan?
We’re happy to explain what each credential means and how it relates to your specific procedure and comfort options.