Applicant
Definition
View Biography
Certification Process
Pediatric dentists earn certification based on education, licensure and successful completion of the Qualifying and Oral Clinical Examinations.
ExploreA Two-Part Exam
ABPD Certification Examinations
The ABPD initial certification process assesses the habitual and thoughtful use of specialized knowledge and skills, clinical reasoning, communication, and professionalism required of entry-level pediatric dentists for safe and effective practice, to benefit the individuals, families, and communities served.
Part I
Qualifying Examination
The QE is the first examination of the two-part certification process for Diplomate status in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. The examination is designed to generate evidence toward validation of the individual's advanced training in pediatric dentistry. The QE must be successfully completed prior to registering for the OCE.
The QE has 240 multiple choice questions. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the examination. The QE is administered annually in May at testing centers.
Part II
Oral Clinical Examination
The OCE is the last examination of the two-part certification process for diplomate status in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. The purpose of the OCE is to enable the candidate to demonstrate proficiency in diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical care.
The examination is composed of two one-hour sessions administered successively by two examiners. Each session consists of clinical vignettes that are presented to the candidate for discussion. The exam is administered annually at a facility specifically designed for administration of professional specialty board oral examinations.
For more information about ABPD Certification, please download and view our certification guide.
Which Definition Applies To You?
INITIAL CERTIFICATION STATUSES
Applicant
An Applicant is a pediatric dentist or resident who has submitted their initial Qualifying Examination (QE) application and is within seven years of graduating from their pediatric dental residency program.
An Applicant is not considered to be in the certification process until passing the Qualifying Examination and completing the application for board candidacy.
Third-party verification: Within the seven-year eligibility period, verification would indicate the date eligibility expires. Included would be this statement: “This status does not indicate that the individual is actively seeking board certification.”
Applicants have until December 30 of the year they take the QE to submit the completed board candidacy application and supporting materials. If any portion of the application is not received by the deadline, the Applicants' examination results will be invalidated.
Candidate
Definition
View BiographyCandidate
A Candidate is a pediatric dentist who:
- Successfully completed the Qualifying Examination (QE)
- Has completed an accredited advanced specialty education program in pediatric dentistry
- Submitted the ABPD board candidacy application with supporting documentation
A Candidate is an individual who is actively pursuing certification. Candidate status is maintained by annual completion of the maintenance of candidacy form including submission of the required documentation. Failure to complete will result in loss of candidate status. Candidate status can be regained by completion of the reactivation process.
A Candidate has seven years from the completion of the advanced education in pediatric dentistry training program to complete the certification process. If certification is not achieved during the seven-year period, candidacy status is terminated, and any successful examination results are invalidated. After the candidacy status has been terminated a pediatric dentist can re-enter the process as a Registrant.
The candidacy period may be extended by ABPD upon written request by the candidate using the Appeal Form. The decision whether the event qualifies for an extension of the candidacy is at the sole discretion of ABPD. For additional information, see the Extension of Candidacy policy.
Candidate is an administrative designation used by ABPD to classify pediatric dentists who have voluntarily submitted their credentials for approval and are in the certification process. It should NOT be used as a pomotion by the pediatric dentist on stationery, business cards, office brochures, or websites.
Registrant
Definition
View BiographyRegistrant
A pediatric dentist who is outside the initial seven-year eligibility period. A Registrant will not receive a verification of status until they have completed initial certification.
The registration process includes providing documentation of completion of an advanced education in pediatric dentistry, documentation of an active dental license, and payment of a registration fee.
The pediatric dentist will have five years to complete the initial certification process if registration is approved.
Diplomate
Definition
View BiographyDiplomate
A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric dentist whose credentials have been approved, who has successfully completed voluntary examinations, and who demonstrates specialized knowledge and skill. A Diplomate is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care through a voluntary commitment to lifelong learning.
Step by Step
Path to Certification
Pediatric Dentistry Program
Begin advanced education in pediatric dentistry program.
Qualifying Examination
Apply for the Qualifying Examination in final residency year or if all eligibility requirements are met. The QE application is available August 1 – December 15th. The QE exam is administered annually in May at testing centers.
Board Candidacy
Apply for Board Candidacy with proof of dental license and completion of pediatric residency program. The deadline to apply for Board Candidacy is December 30th of the year participating in the QE. Click here for more information on Board Candidacy.
Oral Clinical Examination
Candidates that have successfully completed the QE and applied for Board Candidacy can apply for the Oral Clinical Examination. The OCE application opens annually in January. The OCE is administered annually at a facility specially designed for administration of professional specialty board oral examinations.
Board Certification
Once a candidate successfully completes all requirements, the candidate will earn ABPD certification and become an ABPD Diplomate.
Board Certification Demonstrates:
- A pediatric dentist has the required specialized knowledge and skills to earn board certification.
- A pediatric dentist has commitment to continuous competency and lifelong learning.
- A pediatric dentist has dedication to providing quality patient care.
- An additional credential that may be required for hospital privileges.
Examination Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible, a pediatric dentist must provide evidence of one of the following two:
- Completion of or in the final year of an advanced education in pediatric dentistry residency program which is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).
- Completion of or in the final year of an advanced placement program in pediatric dentistry which is approved by Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or the Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).
In order to become a candidate for certification the following documentation is required:
- Active dental license with an expiration date, or a faculty permit, or a faculty limited license, or an international license.
- Certificate or diploma from advanced training program.