Time-Limited Certificate FAQ's
Why do I have to participate in ROC-P but my partner, who holds an Unlimited Time Certificate does not?
ABPD and other Boards have developed a renewal of certification protocol in order to meet the demand for more transparency in annual credentialing, continuing dental education, evaluation of knowledge and parameters of care. The new Renewal of Certification Process (ROC-P) is a continuous, rolling process, documenting achievement in four critical areas of pediatric dentistry.
Prior to 1991, the ABPD awarded certificates Unlimited by time. ABPD policy is that these certificates will be honored without further examination. Pediatric Dentists who presented their credentials to ABPD after September 6, 1991 and subsequently completed the certifying process, received a Time- Limited certificate and must participate in the renewal process on an on-going basis.
What is Renewal of Certification – Process (ROC-P)?
The ROC-P is a four-part renewal of certification process that assures the public of a Diplomates competency in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. It replaces the existing renewal process. In ROC-P your professionalism is demonstrated by:
- Your unrestricted license to practice dentistry and the credentials survey. (Part 1)
- Your dentistry knowledge is current because you engage in self-assessment and learning activities, (Continuing Education) (Part 2)
- Evidence of Cognitive Expertise -ROC examination (Part 3)
- Your active involvement in measuring and improving the quality of patient care (Part 4)
Why is the new ROC-P program necessary?
Since the 1990s there has been a conscious and concerted effort by those both inside and outside the health professions to begin to systematically evaluate the quality of delivered health care. It also became necessary, to codify the reasons for inadequate care and health errors, and to make recommendations for system-wide improvement. During this period health service researchers began to document widespread unexplained variation in care delivered, even by board-certified dentists. In addition, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published the summaries of phase 2 of their Quality Initiative project. The publication of To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System (1999) and Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century (2001) received widespread and immediate public attention. The IOM also made specific recommendations for change, including the goals that care should be safe, effective, efficient, equitable, patient-centered, and timely. These two reports accelerated calls for change in dental education, how care is delivered, and how certified dentists are evaluated throughout their careers.
During this same period, ABPD identified the importance of periodically requesting evidence of the Diplomates license and professional standing. In addition it was determined that evidence of the Diplomates cognitive expertise could be delivered with an examination.
Lastly, the Council on Dental Education and Licensure (ADA), in their document, Requirements for Recognition of National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists states, “Each board shall encourage its Diplomates to engage in lifelong learning and continuous quality improvement.”
When do I need to get started and what do I have to do to complete the ROC-P program?
Beginning with the 2011 Annual Diplomate Renewal you will automatically be enrolled in ROC-P and the continuous process will begin. Requirements are linked to your current certificate. The BEST way to find out WHAT you need to do and WHEN, log on at www.abpd.org , go to the ROC-P home page, register with your password and ID and your ‘My Portfolio’ page will show. Your personal account will be updated with your requirements. In addition, the America Board of Pediatric Dentistry will periodically send automated e-mails to remind you at appropriate times of your ROC-P requirements.
Can I receive Continuing Education hours (CE) credit for completing ROC-P?
Absolutely! Successful completion of Part 3 and 4 activities will award CE hours.
Is the ROC-P examination the same examination that I took for initial certification?
No. The ABPD ROC-P Sub-Committee has made the ROC examination clinically focused and allows the Diplomate to validate their continued in-depth knowledge and competency in pediatric dentistry.
How often do I have to complete the ROC examination?
At this time, the new ROC-P (beginning in 2010) requires you to take and pass the ROC examination once every 10 years.
When will I receive my examination results?
You will receive immediate results after completing the examination. An official report with certificate will follow within 60 days of the examination. Successful completion of the ROC examination will automatically be recorded in Parts 2 and 3 on the ‘My Portfolio’ tab.
What is the best way for me to contact the ABPD if I have questions?
First – visit your personal Web account and review ‘My Portfolio’ page for answers to most of your questions.
Second – Contact ABPD Headquarters Monday – Friday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM CT.