More about the CME Course
How to Become a Diplomate
Information on Discipline-specific ABLS Study Materials and Written Exams (Cosmetic and Dental Laser Procedures) and the Oral Exam
The Online CME Course provides up to 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ through the Southern Medical Association (SMA) and a Certificate of Course Completion from the ABLS.* It does not provide the full ABLS Diplomate Certification; however, it does provide the required first portion of the Certification process with the completion of the Fundamental Laser Science and Laser Safety Exams.
This course does not include any discipline-specific written examinations (including Cosmetic1 or Dental Laser Procedures2 – see below), which are required for Diplomate Certification for physicians practicing in those areas. This course also does not include the Oral Examination, which is required for full Diplomate Certification.
To continue on to the full ABLS Diplomate Certification, candidates in cosmetics and dental laser procedures must also study for and take the appropriate discipline-specific written examination. There is no need to file any additional application. Please simpy contact the Board by email for additional information and instructions at lasers1060@gmail.com. Please note, if the discipline-specific study materials and exam were not paid for and shipped in advance, there is an additional $150 US fee for these, plus a shipping fee for the study materials of $50 US for USA and Canada (via USPS Priority Mail), or $100 US for overseas (via FedEx).
Please note, these discipline-specific written examinations do not provide additional CME credits; rather they expand the scope of the full Diplomate Certification when it is awarded following completion of the Oral Exam.
Also all candidates for full ABLS Diplomate Certification, regardless of their specialty, and following completion of their applicable written exams, must then remit a $750 US fee for the Oral Examination at that time. They must also provide any required advance information, and then have an online interview session with a senior Diplomate of the ABLS. Please also see additional details about the full Diplomate Certification on the ABLS Certification page.
1Disciplines Included in Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures: Address the fundamental science and clinical application of lasers and light in Ablative Skin Resurfacing, Vascular Lesions, Leg Veins, Pigmented Lesions and Tattoos, Scars, Hair Removal, Non-ablative Laser and Light Skin Rejuvenation (including fractional laser), Non-surgical Skin Tightening, and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). In addition, the science of IPL and LED technologies are included.
2Disciplines Included in Dental Laser Procedures: Include Non-Surgical, Surgical and Regenerative Periodontal Therapy, Surgical and Restorative Implantology, Fixed and Removable Prosthetics, Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology, Pediatric and Adolescent Operative Dentistry, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry/Orthodontics, Esthetic/Cosmetic Dentistry and Practice Management and Marketing.
* Please Note: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Southern Medical Association and The American Board of Laser Surgery, Inc. The Southern Medical Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Southern Medical Association designates this Live activity for a maximum of 28 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
