I tried my best to read most of the comments of those who opposed and I totally agree with them that a weekend course or attending an overseas class shouldn't enable a dentist to be listed as a specialist in any given field in Dentistry.

What we are trying to clarify here is that the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the American Board of Oral Implantology have been there for decades (since1969) and has both Specialists and General Denitsts who have done extensive training in Implant Dentistry and have equally gone through the same rigorous written and oral examinations to pass the Board Certification of the ABOI/ID.

As some of my colleagues have explained in details the very strict criteria to qualify for the ABOI exam to become Board Certified should not be taken lightly and are set to the highest standards.

The ABOI/ID Diplomate designation symbolizes the highest level of competence in implant dentistry. Certification by the ABOI/ID attests to the fact that a dentist has demonstrated knowledge, ability, and proficiency in implant dentistry through a rigorous examination process.

The certification examination is psychometrically valid and reliable, and is administered under secure, fair, and unbiased conditions. Candidates must demonstrate in-depth knowledge, and proficient skills and abilities in both the surgical and restorative aspects of implant dentistry as well as in critical aftercare even if they perform only the surgical or restorative phase.

In summary, the point I'm trying to make is that the ABOI/ID has been certified as a Specialty by the ABDS, It has been recognized after legal battles in states like California, Texas and Florida and no misleading advertisement has been done to the public and patients have been served to the highest standard by these Board Certified Implantologists.

I hope my colleagues would recognize the difference between a highly respected organization like the AAID and the ABOI and a weekend course given by an Implant company or a unrecognized lecturer and again I would like to confirm that we are in agreement that specialty recognition should be given only to those who are qualified and recognized by their respective specialty organization.