Membership Requirements

This document is meant only as an overview of the requirements. Details and Application for each level may be obtained from the Academy's Central Office.

In order to maintain a high standard of professional recognition, the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain has established five levels of professional accomplishment that may advance in recognition for the TMJ practitioner.

Member

This status is an entry level and is required for advancement to higher membership levels. It is granted to applicants who meet the following requirements:

1. One must possess a Dental degree from an accredited university or college and must be licensed by the state in which he/she practices.
2. Complete membership application and membership fee.

Fellowship-Eligible

This status may be granted to applicants who meet the following requirements:

1. Graduate of an accredited dental school and hold a current license in said profession
2. Taken a minimum of 200 hours of continuing education courses specifically related to head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ disorders;
3. Obtained the sponsorship of two individuals who hold Fellowship status in the Academy
4. A signed and notarized affidavit attesting to these requirements, and
5. Agreeing to provide access to records will also be necessary.

Fellowship

This status may be granted to applicants who meet the following requirements:

1. Spent the immediate past 2 years in treating head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ disorders;
2. Treated a minimum of 50 head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ patients;
3. Advanced study and training in the field which consists of successful completion of at least 2 or more academic years of graduate study in an ADA accredited dental school program, OR
4. A minimum of 200 hours within the immediate past 10 years of continuing education courses in the field;
5. Sponsorship by two Academy Fellows. (Not the same two who sponsored the applicant earlier). When applying for Fellowship status;
6. Pass a rigid written examination (100 questions or by successfully passing all examinations given by the AACP Craniofacial Pain Mini-residency.
7. Pre-registration is required and payment of an exam fee (currently $900.00) must also be sent to the Central Office.
8. A signed and notarized affidavit and access to records is required.

Distinguished Fellowship:

This status may be granted to applicants who meet the following requirements:

1. Spent the immediate past 5 years in treating head, Neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ disorders;
2. Treated a minimum of 300 Head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ patients;
3. Advanced study and training in the field which consists of successful completion of at least 2 or more academic years of graduate study in an ADA accredited dental school program OR
4. A minimum of 500 hours within the immediate past 10 years of continuing education courses in the field;
5. Sponsorship by two Academy's distinguished Fellows. (Not the same two who sponsored the applicant earlier).
6. Pass a rigid written examination of 250 questions.
7. Complete an oral defense of two cases at the annual convention or at other times as may be specified.
8. Pre-register by 30 days prior to the annual convention and payment of examination fee (currently $ ) must also be sent to the Central Office by this deadline.
9. A signed and notarized affidavit and access to records is required.

Mastership of Excellence:

This is the highest status granted by the AACP. This status may be granted to applicants who meet the following requirements:

1. Spent the immediate past 5 years in treating head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ disorders;
2. Treated a minimum of 500 Head, neck, craniofacial pain and TMJ patients;
3. Advanced study and training in the field which consists of successful completion of at least 2 or more academic years of graduate study in an ADA accredited dental school program OR
4. A minimum of 1,000 hours within the immediate past 10 years of continuing education courses in the field;
5. Sponsorship by two Academy members holding Master of Excellence status. (Not the same two who sponsored the applicant earlier).
6. Pass a rigid written examination of 250 questions.
7. Complete an oral defense of three cases at the annual convention or at other times as may be specified.
8. Preregister by 30 days prior to the annual convention and make payment of the examination fee (currently $ ) to be sent to the Central Office by this deadline.
9. A signed and notarized affidavit and access to records is required.

The Academy's Credentialing Committee and the Board of Directors will make the final decision regarding validity and acceptance of submitted records.

Additional levels of membership include:

• Retired — no longer earning an income which requires a license to practice dentistry
• Associate — reserved for Healthcare Practitioners who are not dentists
• International Chapter Member — Membership in the AACP is a necessary prerequisite to membership in any international (i.e., non-USA) Academy chapter

Comprehensive information and qualifications regarding the above levels can be obtained through the Central Office at the contact information below.

Click Here for our Membership Brochure (pdf format).