AMERICAN BOARD OF OPERATIVE DENTISTRY

Founding Members, American Board of Operative Dentistry
Back Row:

Drs. Chester J. Gibson, David J. Bales, Ralph L. Lambert, James M. Dhilders,

Anthony D. Romano, George W. Ferguson, D. Jackson Freese,

Frank F. Bliss, Perry W. Dungey.
Front Row:

Drs. Robert B. Bridgeman, Melvin R. Lund, Floyd E. Hamstrom,

Charles B. Cartwright, Jose E. Medina, Fred C. Fielder,

Julian J. Thomas, Jr., Bruce B. Smith, Robert L. Kinzer.


Introduction

The American Board of Operative Dentistry, Inc. (ABOD) was created in 1980 by the Academy of Operative Dentistry for the purpose of elevating the science and practice of Operative Dentistry. The Operative Dentistry Certification Program is a three-part examination (developed with the support of the Academy of Operative Dentistry and administered by ABOD).

Candidates must successfully complete written, clinical, and oral examinations in order to attain the "Certificate of Proficiency in Operative Dentistry". The written examination covers a broad spectrum of areas related to the diagnosis and treatment of oral conditions. The clinical phase of the examination requires patient treatment, including cast and compacted gold, amalgam, composite resin, and porcelain restorations. The oral examination is based upon, but not limited to, discussion of two or more documented cases of restorative treatment completed by the candidate.

Certification (American Board of Operative Dentistry)

The Academy initiated the formation of the "Board of Operative Dentistry" for the purpose of achieving "Certification in Operative Dentistry." The rigorous tests are both in theoretical and clinical applications.

The certification program is not equated with specialty status because the ADA does not recognize operative dentistry as one of the dental specialties. At the annual Academy of Operative Dentistry meetings, official recognition is given to the Board Certified Fellows.

Purpose

The ultimate goal of the certification program is to enhance the quality of operative dentistry in practice, research, and education. Dentists who pursue the Certificate of Proficiency enhance their own development in operative dentistry and thus provide high quality patient care.

Benefits to participants

Attaining the Certificate of Proficiency in Operative Dentistry signifies a committment to the pursuit of quality dentistry, requiring disciplined study and clinical effort, an accomplishment from which any dentist will derive great personal and professional satisfaction.

Board certification demonstrates a high level of achievement that is recognized in academic institutions as an important credential for faculty recruitment, promotion, tenure, and salary considerations. Private practitioners, as well as military and other publicly employed dentists, also stand to gain from attaining board certification. The wide geographic location of board-certified members provides a referral network of clinicians dedicated to the highest quality of comprehensive dental care.

Administration

Candidates must first successfully complete the written examination to become eligible for the oral and clinical examinations. The written, clinical, and oral examinations are offered at least once a year in various geographic sites for the convenience of candidates. All sections of the examination are developed and administered by the Examination and Certification Committee of the American Board of Operative Dentistry, Inc.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the certification examination the candidate must:

• Be a graduate of a dental school in the United States or Canada. (Graduates of other dental schools may be accepted at the discretion of the Committee on Eligibility and Credentials.)
• Conform to the acceptable moral and ethical standards delineated by the American Dental Association.
• Have completed four years in the full-time practice of dentistry with a special interest in operative dentistry; or have successfully completed an acceptable, formal advanced education in operative dentistry.

"Full-time practice" refers to private practice, the teaching of operative dentistry in the military, or public health service with a strong operative component, or any combination of the above.

"Acceptable" refers to those formal programs in operative dentistry offered by educational institutions which are accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation.