American Board of Orofacial Pain recognized as national certifying board for orofacial pain

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards announced March 28 it has recognized the American Board of Orofacial Pain as the national certifying board for orofacial pain.

The recognition comes after the National Commission adopted a resolution based on an application from the American Board of Orofacial Pain to be recognized as the national certifying board for the dental specialty.

As the national certifying board, it will administer the board certification examination certifying qualified dentists as diplomates in the specialty of orofacial pain. According to the Requirements for Recognition of National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists, the National Commission will recognize only one certifying board that has a close working relationship with the recognized sponsoring organization.

The decision comes two years after the National Commission had adopted a resolution to recognize orofacial pain as a dental specialty, based on its determination that the American Academy of Orofacial Pain application met all the Requirements for Recognition of a Dental Specialty.

The American Board of Orofacial Pain examines and certifies dentists who complete an accredited advanced education program in orofacial pain. The group had submitted its application for recognition in December 2020 followed by a 60-day public comment period from February-May 2021.