Why do I need to apply for Board Candidacy?
Applying for Board Candidacy allows ABPD to systematically verify and validate the education, training, and licensure of each candidate.
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Certification FAQs
ABPD board certifies pediatric dentists through a
dual-examination process that takes a minimum of two years
Board Candidacy
Who is eligible to apply for Board Candidacy?
Only individuals who have completed an accredited advanced education program in pediatric dentistry are educationally qualified to pursue board certification. ABPD must verify each Board Candidate’s credentials in order to allow them to fully participate in the certification process.
As a courtesy, ABPD allows those nearing the end of their residencies to participate in the Qualifying Examination (QE) before they are officially “qualified by credentials.” Advanced education is required by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards to become board certified; therefore, we must confirm eligibility prior to releasing results.
Qualifying Examination (QE)
What is the purpose of the QE?
When and how can I apply for the QE?
How can I prepare for the examination?
What are the costs incurred to take the QE?
Where is the QE given?
Why is the QE given only one day?
What can I expect the day of my examination?
Is the QE graded on a curve?
Why do the results take so long to get back?
When will I receive my results?
As an individual taking the QE while I am still a resident or a first time applicant, when can I apply for Board Candidacy?
If I cancel my QE, can I transfer the examination fee to the next year?
What is the purpose of the QE?
The QE is a written examination intended to validate the candidate’s advanced training in pediatric dentistry by assessing understanding of the scientific and biological principles that support the practice of pediatric dentistry, as well as the understanding of current literature pertaining to pediatric dentistry. This examination does not cover the clinical application of pediatric oral health care.
When and how can I apply for the QE?
Residents in the final year of an accredited program and pediatric dentists who have successfully completed an accredited advanced education program in pediatric dentistry are eligible to register for the QE. You can apply for the QE August 1 through December 15 by logging onto the ABPD website and filling out the application.
FIRST TIME REGISTERING FOR AN EXAMINATION? Create your profile and apply for the QE by clicking the button below.
How can I prepare for the examination?
The QE section on our website and Candidate Certification Guide provides several suggestions on ways to prepare for the examination. Examinees should focus their attention on the scientific and biologic basis for pediatric dentistry, not clinical practices.
What are the costs incurred to take the QE?
The examination fee for the QE is $735. There is no additional fee for the testing center, although transportation and overnight accommodation charges may be incurred if you need to travel.
Where is the QE given?
The QE is administered at testing centers throughout the United States and internationally, excluding testing centers in Quebec.
Why is the QE given only one day?
The QE is given only one day to minimize the opportunity for confidential materials to be compromised, thereby potentially providing some examinees an unfair advantage. To discuss or in any other way disseminate information regarding the content of this examination is an ethical breach of responsibility and can be the basis for disciplinary and legal action by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
What can I expect the day of my examination?
To find more information on what to expect the day of the examination visit our QE webpage.
Is the QE graded on a curve?
No, there is not a predetermined percentage of candidates who will pass or fail. However, the degree of difficulty of the examination relative to a criterion standard does influence the minimum passing score.
Why do the results take so long to get back?
Results are sent to our psychometrician, who analyzes the performance of each test question and each candidate to assure a valid and reliable examination. Once a final report is submitted to ABPD, results are processed.
When will I receive my results?
Candidates will receive results in approximately 8 weeks and examination results will be available in your ABPD online portal. Applicants or residents who sit for the QE while still in their advanced education program are required to apply for Board Candidacy or their QE results will be invalidated.
As an individual taking the QE while I am still a resident or a first time applicant, when can I apply for Board Candidacy?
After taking the QE, you have until December 30 of that year to apply for Board Candidacy. If you do not complete your application by then, you forfeit your QE score and will need to retake the examination.
Oral Clinical Examination (OCE)
What are the costs incurred while taking the OCE?
Where is the OCE given?
How can I prepare for the OCE?
Why does ABPD need my photograph for the OCE?
The OCE is given on numerous days. Do I need to be there the whole time?
Can I request or change my date for the OCE?
When will I receive my results?
If I cancel my OCE can I transfer the examination fee to the next year?
What are the costs incurred while taking the OCE?
The examination fee for the OCE is $2,500. Transportation and overnight accommodation costs will be the responsibility of the candidate.
Where is the OCE given?
The OCE is administered annually at a facility specially designed for administration of professional specialty board oral examinations.
How can I prepare for the OCE?
The ABPD OCE webpage and Candidate Certification Guide provides several suggestions on ways to prepare for the examination. Examinees should focus their attention on proficiency in diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical.
Why does ABPD need my photograph for the OCE?
ABPD requires a photo for identification purposes. We also require a government issued ID at registration on the day of the examination. Names on your identification must exactly match those listed on our registration.
The OCE is given on numerous days. Do I need to be there the whole time?
There are multiple sessions scheduled daily. You are only required to be at the OCE for your one scheduled session. You will receive additional information once you are confirmed as a participant for the OCE, and as test days are scheduled. Test days are assigned approximately six months prior to the examination.
Can I request or change my date for the OCE?
Switching dates is not guaranteed, however, ABPD will try to accommodate such requests for extenuating circumstances. Your request to change your date must be submitted in writing to info@abpd.org.