What is the American Board of Endodontics?
The American Association of Endodontists sponsors the American Board of Endodontics. Founded in 1956, the American Board of Endodontics is the only certifying board for the specialty of endodontics and is one of the nine specialty boards recognized by the American Dental Association.
The activities of the ABE conform to the "Requirements for Recognition of Dental Specialties and National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists" of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Education and Licensure.
The purpose of the ABE is to assure the public that the endodontists it certifies have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill and expertise in the specialty of endodontics and to progressively raise the quality of patient care.
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To achieve Diplomate status, an endodontist has shown great inner motivation and exceptional commitment to continuing professional growth. A Board Certified endodontist understands the importance of:
- Achieving the highest level of knowledge and skill possible
- Continually pursuing new knowledge and experience
- Fully understanding and applying new research and advances to the practice of endodontics, and
- The highest possible quality of care for the patient.
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Certification, a voluntary process, requires a review of the applicant’s education and successful completion of the three-part examination process.
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Successful completion of an ADA-accredited postdoctoral program in endodontics.
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Educationally Qualified Endodontist: An endodontist who has successfully completed an advanced education program in endodontics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the ADA.
Prospective Board Candidate: A student enrolled in their final year of an advanced education program in endodontics accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the ADA whose application and payment of the Written Examination fee have been accepted and approved by the Board.
Board-Eligible Endodontist: An Educationally Qualified Endodontist whose application and credentials have the approval of the Board.
Board-Certified Endodontist: An endodontist who has satisfied all requirements of the Certification process of the ABE, has been declared Board Certified by the Directors of the ABE, and maintains Board Certification. This individual is a Diplomate of the ABE.
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Applicants for Board Eligible status must provide verified written evidence of their educational and training qualifications. Letters of recommendation from Board Certified endodontists attesting to an applicant’s acceptable ethical and moral standing in the profession and community are also required. The Board’s Credentials Committee reviews all applications for Board Certification.
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Board certification requires successful completion of three examinations:
- Written Examination: A four-hour examination that tests a broad range of knowledge in anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology, statistics, clinical endodontics, and related disciplines.
- Case History Examination: Presentation of a diverse range of complex cases from the applicant’s own practice that demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skills, and expertise in the full scope of the field of endodontics.
- Oral Examination: The Candidate is required to demonstrate a high level of skill in endodontic diagnosis, evaluation, analysis, creativity, decision-making and problem solving.
Upon successful completion of all three examinations the endodontist is certified as a "Diplomate of The American Board of Endodontics". Certification as a Diplomate signifies a unique achievement. As of January 1, 2008, there are only 1,338 endodontists who have achieved Diplomate status.
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Applicants who made their Preliminary Application on or after January 1, 1997, will be required to be recertified every ten years from the date they are declared Diplomates by the ABE. (Recertification)
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A certificate bearing the seal of the ABE and signatures of the Directors of the Board shall be awarded to each successful Candidate.
The Directors of the ABE shall have the power to suspend temporarily or to revoke permanently any certificate issued by the Board on presentation of sufficient evidence that the person in whose name the certificate is issued has not fulfilled the current requirements of the Board or has ceased to conduct an ethical practice according to the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. The certificate remains the property of the ABE and must be surrendered upon revocation. The Diplomate has the right to appeal the suspension/revocation of Board Certification.
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Diplomates are permitted to use the following designation, "Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics" or "Board Certified in Endodontics" on stationery, business cards, patient literature, directories and announcements. In all references to Board Certification, the ABE requires Diplomates to adhere to the American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.
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The American Association of Endodontists sponsors the American Board of Endodontics. Founded in 1964, the American Board of Endodontics is the only certifying board for the specialty of endodontics and is recognized by the American Dental Association.
ABE Diplomate status is awarded to qualified Candidates who have demonstrated diagnostic skill, clinical proficiency, and professional judgment of a level that promotes the highest quality of care for patients. They have taken an examination administered by a panel of experts of their peers and have demonstrated an exemplary level of knowledge, understanding, and clinical expertise in endodontics.