The OCE application opens annually in January. The application can be completed by logging into your ABPD portal. Limited spots are available and filled on a first come first served basis.
Oral Clinical Examination
The Oral Clinical Examination is the second of a two-part American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certification process.
Explore
Overview
The Oral Clinical Examination (OCE) is administered annually at a facility specifically designed for administration of professional specialty board oral examinations.
Candidates can apply for the OCE after successfully completing the Qualifying Examination (QE).
- 2-hour examination session
- 10 domains covered
- Open-ended questions to assess candidate’s knowledge and skills
What to Expect
The OCE is designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge and ability for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and complications of clinical cases in pediatric dentistry.
The examination is composed of two one-hour sessions administered successively by two examiners. Each session consists of clinical vignettes that are presented to the candidate for discussion. Candidates will be expected to have evidenced-based knowledge of all currently acceptable therapy whether they perform the procedures in practice or not and in all types of pediatric patients.
Step by Step
Examination Timeline
APPLY FOR OCE
Prepare for Exam
Schedule Travel
ABPD will assign examination dates approximately six months before the administration of the examination.
Participate in the OCE
The OCE is administered annually at a facility specifically designed for administration of professional specialty board oral examinations.
OCE results released
Examination results are reported to candidates via the ABPD website within 8 weeks.
What to Know
Dates & Fees
2025 Examination Dates
September 15-19, 2025
Raleigh, NC
Application opens: January 7, 2025
Application closes: January 21, 2025
Cancellation Date: March 19, 2025
Examination Fee: $2500
