Are all pediatric dentists Board Certified?
No. All pediatric dentists must be licensed to practice, but at this time, only 1 in 3 pediatric dentists have continued to become board-certified. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) certification process signifies a unique achievement—a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in dentistry.
The process requires the pediatric dentist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that all pediatric dentists do not choose to pursue. In order to become board-certified by the ABPD, an individual pediatric dentist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their dental knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment.
How many certifying boards are recognized by the American Dental Association in the specialty of dentistry?
One. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) is the only certifying board in the specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. The board’s purpose is to elevate the quality of dental care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration.
Why would a pediatric dentist choose to complete this voluntary certification process?
Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the pediatric dentist’s highest commitment to excellence in dentistry – to both the dental profession and the general public. It represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that they have the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients to the highest of standards.
It exemplifies a practitioner’s commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care and to continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many pediatric dentists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.
What steps are required to complete the ABPD certification process?
Since the establishment of the ABPD, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information that a pediatric dentist should be knowledgeable about. Successful completion of this “board exam” allows the pediatric dentist to proceed to the Clinical Examination, where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics.
After successful completion of these examinations, the pediatric dentist officially achieved Board Certification for a time-limited period. The pediatric dentist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.
For further information about The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and Board Certification, click here.
