ABP Update
2026 QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
The 2026 Qualifying Examination was administered January 26 – 30, 2026. Successful candidates will be eligible to challenge the 2027 Oral Examination. Approximately 230 candidates challenged the Qualifying Examination this year. Several candidates had to reschedule their exam due to inclement winter weather. The ABP congratulates all candidates for their perseverance and commitment in overcoming these challenges to complete the examination.
2026 ORAL EXAMINATION
The 2026 Oral Examination will be held April 27 – May 1, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Approximately 255 candidates are scheduled to challenge the examination.
2026 ANNUAL REGISTRATION
Each year, Diplomates are required to register their certification with the American Board of Periodontology. Diplomates who do not complete the annual registration process by March 31, 2026 will be placed on inactive status. More information can be obtained through the Diplomate portal or by calling the office at 312-682-0919.
2026 MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Beginning in 2025, all Diplomates are required to complete 15 multiple-choice questions quarterly—60 questions annually—to maintain certification. The Board thanks all Diplomates for their engagement with the new continuing certification platform. In 2025, Diplomates answered more than 180,000 questions, and nearly 90% reported that the content was relevant to their practice. The Board has received valuable question feedback from Diplomates, which will support nearly 40 item writers and reviewers as they continue to develop questions for the platform. New Diplomates who need assistance activating their ABPerio Minute accounts should contact the ABP office at [email protected] or 312-682-0919.
2026 ELECTIONS – DIRECTORS OF THE ABP
The ABP encourages all Active and Life Active members of the Academy to review the qualifications of the candidates for ABP Director and to cast a ballot in the annual Academy elections. Diplomates interested in running for ABP Director may access more information on the Academy’s website. Information on ABP Nominating Committee positions may also be obtained from the AAP or from your District Trustee.
NEW DIRECTOR OF EXAMINATIONS
The ABP is pleased to announce Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS, as the new Director of Examinations as of January 2026. The ABP Director of Examinations provides substantive guidance to the ABP Board of Directors on examination policy and best practices, provides oversight of the Board’s examination process, and supports candidates throughout the examination process. We are grateful to Jeffrey Rossmann, DDS, MS, for his years of dedicated service to the ABP as Director of Examinations and we welcome Dr. Palaiologou-Gallis to this new role.
Over the next year, the ABP Oral Examination Futures Committee will be reaching out to stakeholders across the profession to learn how the oral examination can be improved and to help guide its direction over the next five years. We look forward to hearing your ideas—stay tuned for ways to provide feedback.
WEBSITE UPDATE
Big changes are on the horizon: the ABP will unveil a refreshed website in 2026, with enhancements aimed at making information and resources easier to access.
UPDATE YOUR PROFILE
Did you know the “Find-a-Board-Certified Periodontist” search tool is the most visited page on the ABP’s website? Make sure you are visible by adding a profile photo and website address. Do you have multiple offices? We can help you with those listings. Contact the ABP Office if you have any questions or need assistance updating your profile.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
- March 31, 2026: Maintenance of Certification grace period ends for Diplomates completing a six-year certification cycle in 2025.
- March 31, 2026: Grace period for 2026 Annual Registration ends.
- April 27 – May 1, 2026: 2026 Oral Examination, Raleigh, North Carolina
- October 31, 2026: 2026 Oral Examination Registration Deadline
- November 20, 2026: Qualifying Examination Registration Deadline
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Leena Bahl Palomo, DDS, MSD; President
Bryan J. Frantz, DMD, MS; Vice President
Mary Beth Neill, DDS, MS; Secretary/Treasurer
Paul G. Luepke, DDS, MS; Immediate Past President
Richard T. Kao, DDS, PhD
Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS; Interim Director
Douglas R. Dixon, DMD, PhD
Nicolaas C. Geurs, DDS, MS
Dimitris N. Tatakis, DDS, PhD
Jennifer L. Bain, DMD, MSPH, PhD
Benjamin T. Duval, DDS
Executive Staff
Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS; Director of Examinations
Charles Powell, DDS, MS; Director of Continuing Certification
Eileen G. Loranger, Executive Director
Katy Englehart, Associate Executive Director
Barbara Robinette, Credentialing Program Manager
312-682-0919
[email protected]
www.abperio.org
2026 QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
The 2026 Qualifying Examination was administered January 26 – 30, 2026. Successful candidates will be eligible to challenge the 2027 Oral Examination. Approximately 230 candidates challenged the Qualifying Examination this year. Several candidates had to reschedule their exam due to inclement winter weather. The ABP congratulates all candidates for their perseverance and commitment in overcoming these challenges to complete the examination.
2026 ORAL EXAMINATION
The 2026 Oral Examination will be held April 27 – May 1, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Approximately 255 candidates are scheduled to challenge the examination.
2026 ANNUAL REGISTRATION
Each year, Diplomates are required to register their certification with the American Board of Periodontology. Diplomates who do not complete the annual registration process by March 31, 2026 will be placed on inactive status. More information can be obtained through the Diplomate portal or by calling the office at 312-682-0919.
2026 MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Beginning in 2025, all Diplomates are required to complete 15 multiple-choice questions quarterly—60 questions annually—to maintain certification. The Board thanks all Diplomates for their engagement with the new continuing certification platform. In 2025, Diplomates answered more than 180,000 questions, and nearly 90% reported that the content was relevant to their practice. The Board has received valuable question feedback from Diplomates, which will support nearly 40 item writers and reviewers as they continue to develop questions for the platform. New Diplomates who need assistance activating their ABPerio Minute accounts should contact the ABP office at [email protected] or 312-682-0919.
2026 ELECTIONS – DIRECTORS OF THE ABP
The ABP encourages all Active and Life Active members of the Academy to review the qualifications of the candidates for ABP Director and to cast a ballot in the annual Academy elections. Diplomates interested in running for ABP Director may access more information on the Academy’s website. Information on ABP Nominating Committee positions may also be obtained from the AAP or from your District Trustee.
NEW DIRECTOR OF EXAMINATIONS
The ABP is pleased to announce Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS, as the new Director of Examinations as of January 2026. The ABP Director of Examinations provides substantive guidance to the ABP Board of Directors on examination policy and best practices, provides oversight of the Board’s examination process, and supports candidates throughout the examination process. We are grateful to Jeffrey Rossmann, DDS, MS, for his years of dedicated service to the ABP as Director of Examinations and we welcome Dr. Palaiologou-Gallis to this new role.
Over the next year, the ABP Oral Examination Futures Committee will be reaching out to stakeholders across the profession to learn how the oral examination can be improved and to help guide its direction over the next five years. We look forward to hearing your ideas—stay tuned for ways to provide feedback.
WEBSITE UPDATE
Big changes are on the horizon: the ABP will unveil a refreshed website in 2026, with enhancements aimed at making information and resources easier to access.
UPDATE YOUR PROFILE
Did you know the “Find-a-Board-Certified Periodontist” search tool is the most visited page on the ABP’s website? Make sure you are visible by adding a profile photo and website address. Do you have multiple offices? We can help you with those listings. Contact the ABP Office if you have any questions or need assistance updating your profile.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES
- March 31, 2026: Maintenance of Certification grace period ends for Diplomates completing a six-year certification cycle in 2025.
- March 31, 2026: Grace period for 2026 Annual Registration ends.
- April 27 – May 1, 2026: 2026 Oral Examination, Raleigh, North Carolina
- October 31, 2026: 2026 Oral Examination Registration Deadline
- November 20, 2026: Qualifying Examination Registration Deadline
2025-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Leena Bahl Palomo, DDS, MSD; President
Bryan J. Frantz, DMD, MS; Vice President
Mary Beth Neill, DDS, MS; Secretary/Treasurer
Paul G. Luepke, DDS, MS; Immediate Past President
Richard T. Kao, DDS, PhD
Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS; Interim Director
Douglas R. Dixon, DMD, PhD
Nicolaas C. Geurs, DDS, MS
Dimitris N. Tatakis, DDS, PhD
Jennifer L. Bain, DMD, MSPH, PhD
Benjamin T. Duval, DDS
Executive Staff
Angela Palaiologou-Gallis, DDS, MS; Director of Examinations
Charles Powell, DDS, MS; Director of Continuing Certification
Eileen G. Loranger, Executive Director
Katy Englehart, Associate Executive Director
Barbara Robinette, Credentialing Program Manager
312-682-0919
[email protected]
www.abperio.org