The Examination Committees

---

---

ABPD's Examination Committees are dedicated to the content development for all assessment programs, the Qualifying Examination, Oral Clinical Examination, and Continuing Certification program. 

The committees are composed of subject matter experts in the field of pediatric dentistry.  Each committee consists of the following roles:

• Chair
• Vice Chair
• Part Leader
• Member

Qualifying Examination Committee (QEC)

The Qualifying Examination (QE) is designed to generate evidence toward validation of the individuals’ advanced training in pediatric dentistry.

The examination is composed of 200 objective, single-answer, multiple-choice items. The QE is intended to assess the Examinee’s understanding of the scientific and biological principles that support the practice of pediatric dentistry, as well as current literature. 
 
Members of the Qualifying Examination Committee (QEC) contribute by primarily writing and editing questions for the Qualifying Examination. Additional responsibilities include:

• Develop new items as assigned
• Correct formatting, basic editing, relevance, and content errors in newly developed or existing items
• Be proactive and progressive by suggesting new topics and helpful content
• Work as a team member by participating in activities in a cooperative and helpful manner
• Attend the Examination Committee Workshop and other meetings as needed

---

Oral Clinical Examination Committee (OCEC)

The purpose of the Oral Clinical Examination (OCE) is to enable the candidate to demonstrate proficiency in diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical care.

The examination is designed to evaluate the candidate's knowledge and ability to solve clinical cases in pediatric dentistry. Each exam is comprised of clinical vignettes or scenarios from eight domains.
 
Members of the Oral Clinical Examination Committee (OCEC) contribute by primarily collecting cases and writing and editing vignettes. Additional responsibilities include:

• Develop vignettes as assigned
• Correct formatting, basic editing, relevance, and content errors in newly developed or existing vignettes
• Be proactive and progressive by suggesting new topics and contributing helpful content.
• Work as a team member by participating in activities in a cooperative and helpful manner
• Attend Examination Committee Workshop and other meetings as needed

Note: This is not the application to serve as an examiner for the Oral Clinical Examination.

---

Renewal of Certification Process Committee (ROC-PC)

Renewal of Certification Process (ROC-P) is a continuous, rolling process documenting achievement in four critical areas of pediatric dentistry.

Completion of the four areas is required for Time Limited diplomates and include:

• Professional Standing - Annual Renewal and Credentials
• Lifelong learning, continuing scholarship, and improvement - 15 CE hours required annually
• Cognitive expertise measured by the Renewal of Certification (ROC) Examination
• Satisfactory performance in practice/continuous quality improvement

Members of the Renewal of Certification Process Committee (ROCPC) contribute by primarily writing and editing questions for the ROC Examination or the CQI Modules. Additional responsibilities include:

• Develop new items as assigned
• Correct formatting, basic editing, relevance, content errors in newly developed or existing items
• Be proactive and progressive by suggesting new topics and contributing helpful content
• Work as a team member by participating in activities in a cooperative and helpful manner
• Attend Examination Committee Workshop and other meetings as needed

---

Eligibility

Eligible candidates must meet the following minimal qualifications throughout the entire appointment term:

• A diplomate in good standing
• An active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
• Must be at least five years since board certification
• Must be actively involved in direct patient care or clinical teaching of pediatric dentistry on a weekly basis or an average number of days within a month to count toward the weekly requirement

Term

Committee members are appointed to a 5-year term and may only serve on one of the three committees. Committee placements each year depend on performance and the needs of each committee each year. After a diplomate has served a five-year term and wish to serve again, they can reapply following a 12-month hiatus.

New committee members must participate in the Examination Committee Workshop scheduled in January annually.  Committee members will also be required to participate in the Renewal of Certification Process if not already enrolled.

Committee members are eligible to serve as examiners for the Oral Clinical Examination if needed and invited.

Application Process

The Examination Committees application opens annually later summer/early fall.  Email commuincations are sent out before the application opens to those who qualify.   

Per ABPD policy, priority will be given to diplomates who reside within the United States and Canada when in-person attendance is required. Volunteers will not be selected from countries where a visa is needed to travel to the United States if in-person attendance is required.

Please contact info@abpd.org or 615-432-0082 with any questions.