Board certification in oral surgery (also known as a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) is the highest level of academic achievement. It is not a requirement to practice oral surgery however, those individuals who are board certified have demonstrated their capabilities and desires to obtain this level of achievement. To become board certified an applicant must have completed an approved internship and residency training program, applied to the board, be accepted and pass a written and verbal exam. Many hospitals and insurance plans are now requiring board certification to participate as a provider.