Going Back to School

By Kenneth N. Namerow, D.D.S., president, College of Diplomates

It’s that time of year again when our younger generations are ending their summer breaks and making their way back into the classroom. While they may not always appreciate it, they are broadening their minds – learning and growing. There are numerous professions, like our own, in which ongoing professional development is required. We have to keep learning and growing in order to continue practicing. So we read our journals, take courses online, or attend local, state, national or international meetings to stay current.

While not required, the pinnacle of learning in our specialty is completing the Board-certification process. We need endodontists to achieve Diplomate status in order for endodontics to remain an American Dental Association-recognized specialty. But it’s also an opportunity to challenge yourself on what you know and ensure that you’re using best practices.

Sometimes when you’re learning something new or need to approach it in a different way, a tutor or someone who is experienced in the field of study is helpful. One of the main activities of the College of Diplomates is establishing mentoring relationships between those in the Board-certification process and those who have completed it. The mentors provide guidance for each of the exams in the style that works best for the candidate.

There also is a “crash course” offered annually through the COD’s Board Review Course and Scientific Update. The next one is scheduled for February 10-12, 2017, at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. The College also offers a Summer Conference exclusively for Diplomates, candidates, their professional staff and families/guests every even-numbered year. If you are eligible, please consider joining us this year, September 14-18, at the Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, Ga. We’ll have sessions on the Impact of the Internet and Social Media on the Endodontic Practice and Profession.

To summarize what I’ve addressed above, I would like to share the objectives of the College of Diplomates that include, but are not limited to:

• Promote Board certification of educationally qualified endodontists.
• Provide an international network of qualified and volunteer Diplomates to mentor candidates in the process of Board certification in endodontics.
• Provide educational opportunities specific to the attainment of Board certification and recertification.
• Educate endodontists, the dental profession and the public on the significance of Board certification.
• Provide the means to recognize and honor those endodontists who have achieved Board certification.
• Pursue these goals in a manner consistent with the missions of the American Board of Endodontics and the American Association of Endodontists.

I hope you will consider going “back to school” by looking into the Board-certification process. More information can be found at www.aae.org/board. If you are interested in finding a mentor or attending one of the College’s conferences, please visit www.collegeofdiplomates.org or send an email to codabe96@comcast.net.

Exclusive Conference Opportunity! What: 2016 College of Diplomates Summer Conference Impact of the Internet and Social Media on the Endodontic Practice and Profession Who: Open exclusively to Diplomates, candidates and their professional staff and family/guests When: September 14-18, 2016 Where: Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, Braselton, Ga. (about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta) How: Register today atwww.collegeofdiplomates.org