What is a Board Certified Surgeon?
When you’re choosing an oral surgeon, you may notice the term “board certified” listed in their credentials. But what does that actually mean, and why should it matter to you?
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral surgeons are board-certified and include dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeons who hold both dental and medical degrees. This advanced level of training within our team reflects our commitment to delivering the highest standard of surgical care across our four Bergen County, NJ locations.
Whether you’re planning for dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, corrective jaw surgery, or another oral surgery procedure, understanding board certification can help you make a confident, informed decision about your care.
Key Takeaways:
- Board certification is a voluntary, rigorous process that goes beyond basic licensing requirements.
- A board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon has completed advanced surgical training and passed comprehensive examinations.
- Certification demonstrates a commitment to high clinical standards, patient safety, and continuing education.
- At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our surgeons combine board certification with dual degrees in dentistry and medicine for advanced expertise.
- Choosing a board certified surgeon provides peace of mind for both routine and complex procedures.
What Does “Board Certified” Mean?
Board certification is a professional credential earned after completing extensive education, surgical training, and passing comprehensive examinations administered by a recognized specialty board.
For oral and maxillofacial surgeons, certification is granted by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS).
Education and Training Requirements for NJ Oral Surgeons
To become board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery, a surgeon must:
- Graduate from an accredited dental school (DMD or DDS)
- Complete a hospital-based residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery (typically 4-6 years)
- Many complete a dual-degree program earning a medical degree (MD) in addition to their dental degree.
- Pass a rigorous written qualifying examination
- Successfully complete an oral certifying examination
This process ensures that a board certified surgeon has demonstrated both academic knowledge and clinical expertise.
Board Certified vs. Licensed: What’s the Difference?
All oral surgeons must be licensed to practice. However, licensure only confirms that a provider meets minimum state requirements.
Board certification is voluntary and goes beyond those minimum standards.
Licensure
- Required by the state
- Confirms basic qualifications to practice
Board Certification
- Voluntary and specialty-specific
- Requires advanced training and examinations
- Demonstrates a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development
When you choose a board certified oral surgeon, you are selecting a specialist who has met nationally recognized standards for expertise in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Why Board Certification Matters for Oral Surgery in NJ?
Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves procedures that can range from routine to highly complex. These may include:
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Dental implant placement
- Bone grafting
- Facial trauma treatment
- Corrective jaw surgery
- Oral pathology treatment
Board certification reflects advanced surgical training, clinical judgement, and patient safety protocols, particularly important when procedures involve anesthesia or IV sedation.
Learn more about IV sedation and anesthesia by reading What Sedation is Used for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Commitment to Continuing Education
Board certified surgeons must maintain their certification through ongoing education and professional review. This ensures they stay current with:
- Advances in surgical techniques
- Updated safety standards
- Emerging technology
- Best practices in anesthesia and patient care.
This dedication to lifelong learning directly benefits patients.
What Makes Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Different?
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our surgeons combine:
- Board certification
- Dual degrees in dentistry (DMD) and medicine (MD)
- Hospital-based surgical training
- Decades of combined experience
We have one of the highest concentrations of dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeons in Bergen County, NJ. This unique background allows our doctors to integrate advanced medical and dental knowledge into every surgical treatment plan.
Our surgeons include:
- Dr. Jason Diamond, DDS, MD
- Dr. Vincent Novelli, DMD, MD
- Dr. Chang Han, DDS, MD
- Dr. Mark Park, DMD, MD
- Dr. Jesse Feuerstein, DMD
- Dr. Daniel Diaz, DDS
- Dr. Mina Boulos, DMD, MD
- Dr. Irene Shuman, DDS
- Dr. Joshua Genuth, DMD, MD
Each surgeon has completed rigorous specialty training and schooling to maintain the highest professional standards in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
The Value of Dual Degrees in Oral Surgery
Many patients are surprised to learn that some oral surgeons hold both dental and medical degrees.
Why Does a Medical Degree Matter?
A dual-degree oral surgeon:
- Has completed medical school in addition to dental school
- Has extensive hospital-based surgical training
- Has deeper knowledge of systemic health conditions
- Is highly trained in anesthesia and surgical management
This comprehensive training is particularly valuable for patients with complex medical histories or those undergoing advanced surgical procedures.
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, this dual-degree expertise enhances our ability to deliver coordinated, high-level surgical care in a safe and controlled environment.
How to Verify a Surgeon’s Board Certification in NJ?
If you’re considering oral surgery, you can:
- Ask your provider directly
- Review credentials on the practice website
- Verify certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
To learn more about our surgeon’s board certifications please contact us.
Why Choose Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery for Board Certified Care?
Board certification is more than a credential, it is a reflection of advanced surgical training, rigorous examination, and an ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care.
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our board certified, dual-degree surgeons go beyond the minimum requirements to provide the highest level of surgical expertise in Bergen County, NJ and surrounding areas like Rockland County, NY. by combining medical and dental degrees with hospital-based residency training and certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our team delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care for both routine and complex oral surgery procedures.
When you choose Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, you are choosing:
- Board certified specialists
- Dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeons (DMD, MD)
- Advanced anesthesia training and safety protocols
- A team committed to continuing education and surgical excellence
We invite you to learn more about our surgeons by visiting their individual biography pages or scheduling a consultation at one of our four convenient Bergen County locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Paramus, and Westwood. Your health, safety, and long-term results are always our highest priority.
Board Certification (FAQs)
Do All Oral Surgeons Have a Board Certification?
No. While all oral surgeons must be licensed, board certification is voluntary and requires additional examinations and credentialing.
Does Board Certification Expire?
Board certified surgeons must maintain certification through continuing education and periodic review, ensuring they remain current with evolving standards of care.
Is Board Certification Important for Routine Procedures like Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Yes. Even routine procedures require surgical precision and anesthesia management. Choosing a board certified surgeon adds an additional layer of expertise and safety.
Are All Surgeons At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Board Certified?
Yes. Our surgeons are board certified and hold dual degrees in dentistry and medicine, providing a comprehensive level of training and experience.
