Unlimited Diplomate FAQ's
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:
- An unrestricted license to practice dentistry and the credentials survey. (Part 1)
- Evidence of lifelong learning through self-assessment and continuing educational activities, (Part 2)
- Evidence of Cognitive Expertise -ROC examination (Part 3)
- 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. 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 health providers 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.”
Based on the new ROC-P requirements, will my certification status change?
No. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) awarded unlimited certificates without expiration date in good faith, and those certificates will not change.
What are time-limited certificates?
Time-limited certificates are those that expire based on certain requirements.
Pediatric dentists who presented their credentials after September 6, 1991 received a time-limited certificate that has to be renewed every ten years. Prior to July 2010 the renewal of certification was accomplished by successfully completing a web-based, open-book examination. AFter July 1, 2010 it is replaced with the Renewal of Certification Process (ROC-P)
How does ROC-P affect initial certification and subsequent recertification?
It affects the concept of certification and renewal of certification in a very important way. Beginning in 2011, with the introduction of the ROC-P program, the concept of recertification as previously structured will cease to exist. The more continuous evaluation is known as Renewal of Certification Process (ROC-P). Renewal of Certification Process beginning in 2011 is contingent upon pediatric dentists fulfilling the requirements of the four-part ROC-P program. Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 are completed during a continuous rolling time period with annual requirements. For time-limited Diplomates, if these ROC-P requirements are not met, ABPD certification will end. In 2011, the ABPD will recognize two categories of pediatric dentists: those who have permanent (Unlimited) certificates; and those with a time-limited certificate and have met the current requirements of the ROC-P.
Do other Boards have similar ROC-P programs?
ABPD has taken the leadership in dentistry to develop a Renewal of Certification process. The other dental Boards have a variation of the ROC-P and are studying the ABPD process. All medical Boards have a variation of the process and they call it Maintenance of Certification (MOC).
I have an unlimited certificate. Why should I be involved in the ROC-P when I remain certified by the ABPD?
ABPD strongly encourages unlimited certificate holders to take advantage of ROC-P in order to maintain their knowledge and meet credentialing requirements. It will be increasingly necessary for unlimited certificate holders to engage in ROC-P as it becomes the standard for defining competence by payers, hospitals, credentialing agencies, and others.
Groups outside the ABPD are less likely to accept a credential awarded 10, 20, or more years ago as evidence of your current ability to provide quality dental care. The Joint Commission has strongly encouraged hospitals to show evidence that they are measuring the competencies of their professional staff every two years as part of the credentialing process. In addition, payers are beginning to require similar evaluations. There are also pay-for-performance models that require evidence of continuous participation in an ongoing evaluation of professional competence for inclusion in their process.
How will participation in ROC-P help me fulfill requirements related to hospital credentialing and insurance company requirements?
The ABPD is working hard to ensure that outside groups, organizations or other regulatory agencies that need to measure a dentist’s competence can successfully utilize the ROC-P program as the gold standard within the dental industry.
If I choose to participate in the ROC-P program, will I be “recertified”?
No. The term “recertified” is no longer used by the ABPD except to document the prior history of a specific pediatric dentist. Effective January 1, 2011, the ABPD will recognize two categories of diplomates; those who have permanent (unlimited) certificates; and those who are certified and have met the current requirements of ROC-P (time-limited). Through ROC-P you are in a continual renewal process.
If I choose not to participate in ROC-P, how will I be designated?
You will never lose the designation of an ABPD Diplomate unless suspended or revoked for ethical violations. You will continue to be listed on the ABPD Website roster. When written confirmation of your status is requested from hospitals and other third party institutions we will inform them that you have a permanent certificate (unlimited).
How do I as an Unlimited Diplomate start the ROC-P?
The first requirement is that you contact ABPD Headquarters and apply to be enrolled and participate in the ROC-P program. You will have one (1) year to successfully complete the ROC examination A successful examination completion is valid for ten years. The following year, you’re Annual Diplomate Renewal (ADR) fee will reflect your status as enrolled in ROC-P.
What is the Part 3 examination like?
The examination measures pediatric dentists’ clinical expertise and the knowledge that a pediatric dentist in practice possesses. The examination is designed and developed by your peers and is independent of the initial certification examination. The ROC-P examination Blueprint is at www.abpd.org at the ROC-P site.
What if I don’t pass the test? Will I lose my unlimited certification status?
No. Your certification status will not be affected if you fail the examination. Failure will remain confidential.
What happens if I pass the ROC-P examination and then decide not to do the other parts of the ROC-P?
Your successful examination results will be valid for ten years and your certification will not be affected by your decision. You will continue to be designated as having a permanent (unlimited) certificate. You may enter the ROC-P program at any time during the next ten years by fulfilling the re-entry ROC-P requirements.
What happens if I decide to enroll in ROC-P in 2011?
When you enroll in ROC-P for 2011 or later, you will first need to successfully complete the ROC examination within the first year. In addition, you’ll need to begin entering your CE Units in Part 2 and complete two CQI’s (Part 4) per year, during the same period. Your designation as an active participant will begin as soon as you begin all requirements.
I have taken the Renewal of Certification examination voluntarily in the past. Will I have to take it again if I want to enter the ROC-P program?
If you have passed the examination within the past ten years, you will not have to re-take an examination to enter the ROC-P program. Your renewal of certification examination will be valid for ten years from the date of the examination.
How much time will all this take?
That depends on the individual. ABPD is estimating that the ROC-P will require a minimum of 15 hours a year. The ROC examination is 100 items and must be completed within 48 hours once you begin the examination.
Will I receive Continuing Education Hours for participation in ROC-P?
The successful completion of the ROC examination and the Continuous Quality Improvement modules grant CE hours.
Are the requirements for ROC-P likely to change significantly over time?
While the ABPD acknowledges your permanent (unlimited) certification status, it cannot assure you that the ROC-P requirements will not change. The ABPD will continue to make its program the standard by which others can, and will, measure our certified pediatric dentists. We will continue to improve the process with the help of our members and Diplomates.