Board Certification in Pediatric Dentistry: Once it Represented the Pursuit of Excellence

Volume 2 - Issue 4

John E Nathan^1-6* DDS, MDS, FAAPD, MASDC

Received:April 14, 2018;   Published: April 25, 2018

DOI: 10.32474/IPDOAJ.2018.02.000146

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Abstract

The scope and changes to the examination format for Board Certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry has successfully achieved the goal of enticing and attracting significantly greater numbers of AAPD members to pursue and complete the board process. Unlike earlier times (prior to 2002), when only 15% of its membership secured Diplomate status, changes in the examination format that reduced the process from four extensive and demanding components to two much abbreviated elements, approximately 80% of its membership has now pursued and achieved certification. For better or worse, standards have been radically modified from that of elite and prestigious to that of minimally acceptable. Movement in the direction of making the examination process more attractive and simplified has become the rule rather than the exception. The bar has been sufficiently lowered by the nature of the examination changes. In so doing the demand and requirements for pursuit of knowledge has diminished. A priority for expanded membership at a significant cost has overshadowed the pursuit of excellence among the masses. The old school of thought envisioned inherent motivations to continually seek excellence and the most comprehensive level of knowledge. Its opposing school determined that inclusion of those unwilling or unable to master the highest level of competency remained deserving of recognition. Among the dilemma created by this shift in priorities is that once one fractionates the degree of difficulty and challenge to a lesser level, it is unlikely the direction can be reversed any time soon.

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