Updated Oral Clinical Examination with a Refocus on Clinical Pediatric Dentistry

In September 2025, ABPD administered an updated Oral Clinical Examination (OCE) to nearly 500 candidates. This examination, developed with a revised blueprint, evaluates the application of specialized knowledge and skills, clinical reasoning, communication, and professionalism—core competencies required for entry-level pediatric dentists to provide safe and effective care. More than 100 dedicated examiners contributed their time and expertise to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the new exam content and format.

This effort builds on the strong leadership of the Qualifying Examination Committee and the Oral Clinical Examination Committee. Together, they advanced ABPD’s commitment to examinations that emphasize the clinical application of foundational knowledge to pediatric dentistry. Assessment items are carefully designed to reflect real-world patient care and ensure relevance to contemporary clinical practice.

Looking ahead, ABPD will be placing a greater emphasis on supporting our current Diplomates. As research, standards, and clinical practice evolve, the continuing certification process will likewise adapt to promote lifelong learning. Our goal is to empower Diplomates to thoughtfully apply the same knowledge and skills, clinical reasoning, communication, and professionalism, which our examination sets as standard, in their continual service to the children, families, and communities who rely on them.

A very sincere Thank You to our 2025 examiners...

...and to OCE Committee Chair Whitney Wignall & ABPD Board President Brian Hodgson