The Match to fill first year postdoctoral positions in dentistry has operated successfully since 1985, when it was initially developed and organized by the Committee on Residency Education and Training of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Since that time, the Match has expanded to include first year residency positions in General Practice Residency (GPR), Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), Pediatric Dentistry (PED), and Orthodontic (ORTHO) programs.

The Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program has been approved by the Boards of Trustees of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the American Association of Hospital Dentists (AAHD), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). These organizations are the joint sponsors of the Match. In addition, the Match has been endorsed by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Education, the American Dental Education Association, and the Veterans Administration.

As joint sponsors of the Match, the AAOMS, AAHD, AAPD, AAO and ASDA are responsible for establishing the policies of the Match, and for monitoring the implementation of the Match.

The administration and conduct of the Match is carried out by National Matching Services Inc., on behalf of the AAOMS, AAHD, AAPD, AAO and ASDA.

© 2008 NMS