American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certification
The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) was organized by the American Society of Dentistry for Children in 1940. It is the only ADA-recognized certifying board for the specialty of pediatric dentistry.
The vision of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is to achieve excellence in pediatric dentistry through certification of all pediatric dentists.
Pediatric dentists that are certified by the ABPD have met the standard of excellence set forth in providing high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. When a pediatric dentist becomes board certified, he or she has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience required to deliver the highest quality of patient care.
Certification also reflects a dentist’s commitment to lifelong learning and continuing education. ABPD-certified dentists have a desire to practice pediatric dentistry at the highest level and are dedicated to constantly reevaluating their practice in light of the most recent scientific evidence.
American Board of Orthodontics Certification
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) was founded in 1929. It is the oldest and most prestigious specialty board in dentistry. The ABO's aim is to elevate the standards of the practice of orthodontia, to familiarize the public with its aim and ideals, and to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners.
The Board upholds four main objectives supported by its mission:
- To evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates
- To re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate's career
- To support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics
- To promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world
Becoming Board Certified
To become board certified, a dental specialist has to pass a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations, as well as a comprehensive review of his or her credentials. The initial process of becoming board certified can take a few years. Once certified, the dental specialist must maintain board certification by participating in additional continuing education and re-certification assessments.
What does it mean to be board certified?
A board-certified pediatric dentist or orthodontist, also known as a Diplomate, has been voluntarily examined by his or her peers on the basis of knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the dentist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in their specialty.