Like medical physicians, dentists can choose to become board-certified in a specialty. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, or ABPD, is the agency responsible for certifying pediatric dentists. The ABPD sets the requirements candidates must meet and administers the exams. Before they can apply for certification, dentists must complete dental school, obtain their license and then meet additional requirements.
Training for a pediatric dentist does not end with dental school. After graduating from an accredited dental college, they must obtain their state license to practice dentistry and then enter a residency program in pediatric dentistry. Residencies typically last two years. During their residency, candidates train in pediatric pharmacology, child psychology and development, sedation and anesthesia, trauma management, treating special-needs patients and oral pathology. When applying to the ABPD, candidates must include an official certificate that proves successful completion of the residency program.
The next step in certification is the written qualification exam, taken on computers at one of the PearsonVue sites nationwide. Examinations are typically scheduled each May, and candidates must apply the previous December. Applications and additional information are posted on the ABPD in July for testing the following May. The test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must complete the test within four hours. The examination covers eight areas of pediatric dentistry and is designed to test applicants' knowledge of the science and biology supporting pediatric dentistry.
Oral Clinical Examination
After passing the qualifying examination, candidates are eligible to take the oral clinical examination, which is given annually in Dallas. The test consists of two sessions, each one hour in length. Candidates are given a clinical vignette and then questioned about the diagnosis, recommended treatment options and patient history. For each vignette, candidates receive three scores: diagnosis and data gathering; treatment plan and management; and complications or treatment variations. The test is graded on a pass/fail basis after analysis, and candidates receive results by mail. If they pass both tests, applicants are rewarded with board certification and the title of diplomate.
Certification is only valid for 10 years. During a diplomate's ninth year, he must take a recertification exam. This exam is available online and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Diplomates do not have to complete the test in one sitting, but they must complete it within 48 hours of beginning the test. A passing score is 80 percent, and examinees receive their results immediately. Successfully passing the recertification exam earns diplomates 10 continuing-education hours. Examinees must contact the ABPD for a user name and password to access the test online.
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry: Board Candidacy
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Residency Program
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry: Oral Clinical Examination Overview
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry: Qualifying Examination Overview
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry: Renewal of Certification Examination Overview
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