About The American Board of Orofacial Pain

Founded in 1994 The American Board of Orofacial Pain was established in response to a need for a valid certification process for dentists practicing Orofacial Pain Management.

Individuals who wish to become an American Board of Orofacial Pain (Board) certified Diplomate, must meet the eligibility requirements, as set by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, and the American Board of Orofacial Pain. Exam candidates must be actively enrolled or have graduated from a CODA approved full time Residency Program in Orofacial Pain(OFP).

Board eligible candidates who meet the criteria, must pass the Written and Oral Examinations, respectively. Exams are given once per year, typically in the spring. The Written Exams are offered as proctored exams at Prometric Testing Centers, and the Oral Exams are offered in a live and virtually proctored, secure manner.

The Exam Bulletin (link below) provides detail regarding registration for the exams, applicable to those candidates that meet the eligibility criteria to challenge the Written and Oral Exams.

2026 ABOP Exam Information

The American Board of Orofacial Pain is recognized by National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards as the national certifying Board for the Orofacial Pain (OFP) specialty.

REGISTRATION BEGINS OCTOBER 1, 2025

The Online Written Exam is Scheduled for  April 17-27, 2026

The Oral Exam is Scheduled for  April 25, 2026

ATTENTION ALL PATIENTS, DIPLOMATES, AND DIPLOMATE STATUS VERIFICATION ENTITIES!

The Active Diplomates Directory posted on this website at abop.net is available to the public. Diplomates who are in good standing with the Board are included in the search results. Diplomates can specify how much of their profile information can be shared within this published Directory. If an individual's name does not appear in the Directory, please be advised that the individual is not an Active Diplomate or in good standing with the Board.

To find the certification status of a Diplomate, please click on the Tab "Directory".

A template will be generated. If you know the name of the individual, please enter their last name ONLY, in the Name field.
To search for a Diplomate within a certain state, please enter the full name of the state in the "Location" field. (i.e. Illinois)
Do not enter abbreviations. Credentialing entities should continue to request in writing confirmation of Board verification addressing a Diplomate's status.

To maintain Active Diplomate status, annual renewal is mandatory. Recertification is also mandatory, being directed by the Recertification Committee.

Expired Diplomates' status (names that upon search do not appear on the Board's website), may be reinstated upon a request in writing, and at the discretion of the Board, according to the ABOP Bylaws governing the Certification, Renewal of Active Status, and Recertification requirements.

The Directory is updated immediately upon new ABOP Diplomate certifications, and approved reinstatements to Active status.