One of the core values of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) is “A fair and valid examination.” Two recent ABPD task forces have focused their efforts on the goal of ensuring this core value.

The Initial Certification Intent Task Force worked with industry experts to clarify the intent of initial certification by creating the following construct statement. “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.” This foundation statement will guide ABPD policy and procedures on examination construction and committee membership.

The Practice Analysis Task Force worked in a multi-step process to ensure our initial certification is reflective of the current practice of pediatric dentistry. As a result, the new examination blueprints will ensure we are testing concepts that are important, critical, frequent, and relevant to the current practice of pediatric dentistry.

ABPD strongly believes the work of these task forces supports the purpose of initial certification. Board certification is designed to identify to the public dentists who have met specific training requirements in pediatric dentistry and have demonstrated proficiency in safe and effective practice to benefit the individuals, families, and communities served.

Respectfully,
Anupama Tate, DMD, MPH
Director, ABPD
Board Certified 2006
Washington, D.C.

Click here to see the article as it originally appeared in the Pediatric Dentistry Today