ABP Diplomate Interview
Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS
Incoming Director of Examinations
American Board of Periodontology
San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Palaiologou-Gallis will become Director of Examinations in Jan. 2026. The Director of Examinations provides substantive guidance to the ABP Board of Directors on examination policy and best practices, oversees the examination process, and supports candidates throughout the process.
Where did you attend dental school and complete your periodontal residency?
I completed my dental degree in Greece at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1995. After earning a full scholarship from the National Scholarship Foundation of Greece through a national examination, I began my periodontal residency at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1997. In 2000, I graduated from LSU with a Certificate in Periodontics and a Master of Science in Oral Biology.
Where did you start your career in periodontics and what is your current role?
My scholarship required me to obtain a Master of Science degree and return to Greece to practice for a minimum of three years. After completing my residency, I returned to Greece and practiced in a solo practice limited to periodontics and implants from 2000 to 2007. During that time, I also held a part-time teaching position in the Graduate Program at the University of Athens.
I had always aspired to pursue a full-time academic career in the United States, and in 2007, I was able to realize that goal by accepting a faculty position at LSU. After seven years in private practice, my husband, our two toddlers, and I returned to my alma mater, where I began my academic career as an assistant professor. In 2009, I became the program director at LSU, a role I held until 2018, when I moved to San Antonio to serve in my current position as program director.
How has serving as an Examiner, Board Member, and ABP President prepared you for your new role as Director of Examinations?
I have served as a Board examiner since 2013 and have had the opportunity to witness and participate in the evolution of the ABP throughout this period. My experience as a Board member and as President has given me a comprehensive understanding of the pathway to Board certification.
Throughout my years of service, I worked closely with Dr. Rossmann, who held the Director of Examinations position for the past seven years, and I gained in-depth knowledge of all aspects of both examinations. I have served on the Oral Examination Committee as both a member and chair, as well as on the Qualifying Examination Committee. These experiences have provided me with the insight necessary to oversee and advance the examination processes.
As you take the helm as Director of Examinations, what challenges and opportunities do you see?
The ABP is in a strong position thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Board members and the previous Director of Examinations. The number of Qualifying Examination candidates has grown over the past three years following the extension of eligibility to third-year residents. We continue to work diligently each year to refine both examinations and to incorporate findings from the most recent Job Task Analysis completed last year.
This ongoing work requires commitment from all Board members as well as the Director of Examinations. The ABP is fortunate to have a talented and highly motivated group of individuals who are eager to enhance our examination processes. As Director of Examinations, I am excited to collaborate with them in developing and delivering examinations that are well constructed, evidence-based, and validated.
The Board of Directors recently created a Task Force on the Future of the Oral Examination. What are the Task Force’s goals?
The ABP is looking ahead and exploring how artificial intelligence and other technological advancements may support the evolution of our examinations. The Task Force will evaluate emerging technologies and trends to determine whether—and in what ways—they may help us further enhance the quality, reliability, and efficiency of our examinations.
What trends or developments do you see in the practice of periodontics today?
Digital technology continues to expand its role in periodontics, influencing diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical workflows. Artificial intelligence will also increasingly impact dentistry, and periodontics is no exception. I believe these advancements will help further elevate the quality of care we are able to provide to our patients.
Do you have any advice for those considering pursuing Board certification?
In addition to staying informed about updates posted on the ABP website regarding examination changes, my advice is to rely on the knowledge and experience gained through residency training and clinical practice when preparing for the exams. Candidates who perform best tend to prepare methodically and study steadily over time rather than attempting to “cram” at the last minute.
These examinations are comprehensive, and the content is broad. It is important to develop a structured approach that allows for systematic review of all domains. For the Oral Examination specifically, I encourage candidates to practice “thinking out loud,” as doing so helps examiners assess the depth and clarity of their clinical reasoning.
Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS
Incoming Director of Examinations
American Board of Periodontology
San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Palaiologou-Gallis will become Director of Examinations in Jan. 2026. The Director of Examinations provides substantive guidance to the ABP Board of Directors on examination policy and best practices, oversees the examination process, and supports candidates throughout the process.
Where did you attend dental school and complete your periodontal residency?
I completed my dental degree in Greece at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1995. After earning a full scholarship from the National Scholarship Foundation of Greece through a national examination, I began my periodontal residency at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1997. In 2000, I graduated from LSU with a Certificate in Periodontics and a Master of Science in Oral Biology.
Where did you start your career in periodontics and what is your current role?
My scholarship required me to obtain a Master of Science degree and return to Greece to practice for a minimum of three years. After completing my residency, I returned to Greece and practiced in a solo practice limited to periodontics and implants from 2000 to 2007. During that time, I also held a part-time teaching position in the Graduate Program at the University of Athens.
I had always aspired to pursue a full-time academic career in the United States, and in 2007, I was able to realize that goal by accepting a faculty position at LSU. After seven years in private practice, my husband, our two toddlers, and I returned to my alma mater, where I began my academic career as an assistant professor. In 2009, I became the program director at LSU, a role I held until 2018, when I moved to San Antonio to serve in my current position as program director.
How has serving as an Examiner, Board Member, and ABP President prepared you for your new role as Director of Examinations?
I have served as a Board examiner since 2013 and have had the opportunity to witness and participate in the evolution of the ABP throughout this period. My experience as a Board member and as President has given me a comprehensive understanding of the pathway to Board certification.
Throughout my years of service, I worked closely with Dr. Rossmann, who held the Director of Examinations position for the past seven years, and I gained in-depth knowledge of all aspects of both examinations. I have served on the Oral Examination Committee as both a member and chair, as well as on the Qualifying Examination Committee. These experiences have provided me with the insight necessary to oversee and advance the examination processes.
As you take the helm as Director of Examinations, what challenges and opportunities do you see?
The ABP is in a strong position thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Board members and the previous Director of Examinations. The number of Qualifying Examination candidates has grown over the past three years following the extension of eligibility to third-year residents. We continue to work diligently each year to refine both examinations and to incorporate findings from the most recent Job Task Analysis completed last year.
This ongoing work requires commitment from all Board members as well as the Director of Examinations. The ABP is fortunate to have a talented and highly motivated group of individuals who are eager to enhance our examination processes. As Director of Examinations, I am excited to collaborate with them in developing and delivering examinations that are well constructed, evidence-based, and validated.
The Board of Directors recently created a Task Force on the Future of the Oral Examination. What are the Task Force’s goals?
The ABP is looking ahead and exploring how artificial intelligence and other technological advancements may support the evolution of our examinations. The Task Force will evaluate emerging technologies and trends to determine whether—and in what ways—they may help us further enhance the quality, reliability, and efficiency of our examinations.
What trends or developments do you see in the practice of periodontics today?
Digital technology continues to expand its role in periodontics, influencing diagnostics, treatment planning, and clinical workflows. Artificial intelligence will also increasingly impact dentistry, and periodontics is no exception. I believe these advancements will help further elevate the quality of care we are able to provide to our patients.
Do you have any advice for those considering pursuing Board certification?
In addition to staying informed about updates posted on the ABP website regarding examination changes, my advice is to rely on the knowledge and experience gained through residency training and clinical practice when preparing for the exams. Candidates who perform best tend to prepare methodically and study steadily over time rather than attempting to “cram” at the last minute.
These examinations are comprehensive, and the content is broad. It is important to develop a structured approach that allows for systematic review of all domains. For the Oral Examination specifically, I encourage candidates to practice “thinking out loud,” as doing so helps examiners assess the depth and clarity of their clinical reasoning.