For Candidates for Certification as a
Diplomate of the
And Their Mentors
Disclaimer
The opinions
expressed in this Guide are solely those of the members of the
DEDICATION
This
edition of the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We
acknowledge with thanks the following members of the
Dr. M. Lamar Hicks, Editor
Dr. Leif K Bakland Dr. Charles
Jerome
Dr. Gerald N.
Glickman Dr. Keith
V. Krell
Dr. John W. Harrison Dr. Edward J.
Strittmatter, Jr.
The current
Board of Directors of the College of Diplomates (COD) wishes to acknowledge The
We
additionally acknowledge all of the past Directors of the COD who have so
graciously given of their time and talents to ensure that the mission of the
COD is effectively carried out. They include:
Leif K. Bakland Martha
Proctor
Stuart Fountain Cindy
Rauschenberger,
Lamar Hicks Eric
Rivera
John Lundgren James
Simon
Thomas Mork A.
Eddy Skidmore
Carl
The 2007-08 Board of Directors of the
George
Goodis, President
Harold
Goodis, Secretary
Joseph
Dovgan, Treasurer/Website
Debra
Meadows, Pinnacle Editor
André Mickel, Director of Mentoring
Sandra
Madison,
Lastly, the
Board of Directors gratefully acknowledges the contributions and talents of
Susan Hawkinson. Her dedication and efforts on behalf of the
Promoting Board Certification
Board
certification is a privilege and carries with it
a responsibility to maintain the specialty of endodontics as a highly respected
discipline and one that encourages each specialist member to adhere to the
highest standards of practice. The
Introduction to Board Certification
Begins in the Endodontics Program
Endodontic
program directors must imbue to each resident the value of becoming a
Diplomate. Program directors can accomplish this by a number of means. The
first is by inspiring their residents to be life-long students and realize that
their education in the specialty of endodontics is never completed. Board
certification is just the beginning of this life-long process. By taking the
written exam in June of their final year of endodontic training, the resident
probably has the best chance of recalling the information that they have
learned in their program. Directors should strongly encourage that residents
take the written exam while still in their endodontic program. Additionally,
immediately upon graduation, new graduates should be “strongly urged” to
complete the preliminary application to the ABE in a timely manner. The newest
change (April, 2007) in the Boarding process has eliminated the minimum time
requirements for association with the specialty of endodontics. This now means
that a well prepared resident could complete (pass) the written exam in June
and submit their case portfolio in the fall of the same year. If the case
portfolio passes, then the candidate could sit for the Oral examination in the
spring of the following year of graduation.
This most
recent change gives the program directors a new challenge, namely helping the
residents get Board quality cases identified, treated, recalled and written-up.
It is important that program directors assure that all residents receive the
information on Board certification procedures that is sent to each resident by
the
Program
directors should also promote the pursuit of Board certification by all past
residents. It is incumbent that each candidate has sufficient knowledge of all
three phases of the Board certification process. The program directors should
provide comprehensive literature/book reviews to help solidify residents’
knowledge of evidence-based endodontics; ensure that each resident has
sufficient knowledge experience of what is expected in preparation of an ABE
case portfolio; and prepare each resident for the ABE oral exam, by giving
frequent oral exams. If these objectives are met, the candidate should be
well-prepared to pursue Diplomate status.
Every
endodontic program should have a “Board Certification Ambassador” (a program
director, a specific faculty member, or an alumnus of the program), whose job
would be to ensure that the “flame of the Board Certification fire” is
initially lit and remains ablaze.” The Board Certification Ambassador would be
similar in purpose to the AAE Foundation Ambassador.
On-line Mentors
Some Board candidates may not need a full time mentor but
may have a few questions or would like some feedback on a particular topic. The
Mentoring the
Mentors
The COD Board encourages candidates and mentors to attend
the Boardwalk given by the ABE at each AAE Annual Session Meeting. This is an
opportunity to hear, directly from the ABE, about any revisions in the Board
certification process. Additionally, valuable advice is offered by the
participating Board members on preparing and sitting for the different portions
of the examination.
Geographical
Mentors/Board Certification Ambassadors
The COD maintains a listing of mentors through the Board
Certification Ambassador Program. These are Diplomates who are affiliated with
endodontic programs across the country who are willing to serve as mentors to
candidates who would like to have someone in their geographical area provide
one-on-one guidance through the Board process. Any COD member who volunteers to
be a Board Certification Ambassador / mentor must be thoroughly knowledgeable
of the Board certification process so that they can accurately advise the
prospective Diplomate.
The
|
The |
Diplomate
status is a realistic goal for well-prepared candidates who remain zealous in
their pursuit of knowledge and clinical skill as they practice and teach the
specialty of endodontics.
Board
certification in endodontics and the purposes for which it exists transcend
educational background and national considerations. An endodontist pursues
Board certification because being a Diplomate of the American Board of
Endodontic (ABE) makes a very clear and strong statement of the value the
Diplomate places on attaining mastery in the specialty of endodontics,
receiving a most significant acknowledgement of professional achievement, and
being accountable to the public by adhering to the highest standards of
practice that peer review can set. It represents a philosophy of professional
conduct, practice, and sustained achievement that places great worth on being
the best one can be and provides the finest and most comprehensive endodontic
care to a deserving public.
As a mentor
of a candidate for Board certification in endodontics, one has an extraordinary
opportunity to emphasize the meaning and value of attaining Diplomate status.
The mentor also has the opportunity to describe in their own unique way the
enormous satisfaction that is felt on having achieved a singularly commendable
and exceedingly challenging goal after years of preparation, commitment, and
sacrifice.
Once
attained, Board certification cannot be cheapened or tarnished, but continues
to shine brightly and have clear meaning and unmistakable value for those who
succeed in the process. The mentors are entrusted with the responsibility of
perpetuation and improving the specialty of endodontics through the noblest of
pursuits. This manual is written with the express purpose of enabling the
mentor to better carry out this responsibility by being more effective as a
mentor.
“A
The longest
section of the manual is devoted to the development of an acceptable Case
Histories Portfolio. This section includes interpretation of the ABE’s detailed
instructions, identification of areas critical for success, and recommendations
and suggestions for the mentor to use when working with a candidate on a case
report documentation and narrative.
The fourth
section covers preparation for the Oral Examination. It contains valuable
information on what candidates can expect in the oral examination environment,
examples of oral questions, and information on how the exam is conducted. This
section also has some excellent tips, and recommendations from several
Diplomates who have recently completed ABE certification pertaining to methods
that were successful for them in preparing for the oral exam.
Because the
policies, procedures, and philosophy of the ABE are continually updated, the
content of this manual will change over time. Hence, the manual will be a
dynamic document constantly under review and periodically revised. It is
important to realize that what is current today may not be current tomorrow.
The ABE conducts a one and one-half hour information seminar entitled “The
Boardwalk” at the annual session of the American Association of Endodontists.
This seminar covers all aspects of the Board certification process and provides
a forum where the changes in Board policy and procedures are announced. As a
mentor of Board candidates, you and your prospective Diplomate are encouraged
to attend this highly informative session.
The
officers and directors of the
The Board
of Directors of the
|
THE
CONCEPT OF MENTORING |
The word
“mentor is a term that is difficult to define precisely. Despite that, the term
is commonly used today in the educational, professional, and business
communities. Historically the term was personified by Homer in the person (
A
successful mentor of Board candidates possesses three important
characteristics: competence, confidence, and commitment. The competence
arises from having the appropriate knowledge, the experience of having
successfully traveled the road to Board certification and the ability to
command (earn) respect from others. A mentor is competent in the skills
associated with assist functions. These include coaching, counseling,
communicating, instructing, and establishing good interpersonal relations. The
more frequently these skills are used and the more up-to date the knowledge
base, applications and philosophies are in exercising these skills, the more
valuable they become to the mentor and the mentored. A successful mentor is
competent to build on the mentoree’s strengths, to offer constructive criticism
and feedback, and to provide a reliable source of information and resources.
Finally, the mentor is able to promote good judgment.
A mentor
has the confidence to be imaginative, to demonstrate initiative, and to lead
and offer clear direction. The mentor also can deal successfully with another’s
foibles and biases. He/she can set aside self-recognition for the inner
satisfaction and great pride in the achievement of the mentoree.
The best
mentors are the ones who are committed to the investment of time, energy, and
effort in a distinctly different type of working relationship. They are also
committed to sharing personal experiences, knowledge, and skills. They have a
pronounced desire to pass on to a succeeding generation of professionals the
fruits of their own experiences and labors. They are people-oriented and have a
keen interest in seeing others develop their work and succeed in a long,
challenging process.
That which
we do in the mentoring relationship carries out the functions of
mentoring. Dr. B.G. Bibby, a former Director of the
Table 1. Functions of
Mentoring
________________________________________________________________________
Teach Sponsor Encourage Counsel Befriend______________
model protect inspire listen accept
inform support challenge probe relate
confirm promote affirm clarify
prescribe advise
question
To
successfully carry out the mentoring process, we must fulfill each of the
mentoring functions. These functions are accomplished within a support
framework comprised of three categories of factors: Personal, Functional and
Relational. The objectives within the structural framework of Personal Factors
include the need for the mentor to promote confidence building, creativity,
fulfillment of potential, self-development, and a certain amount of
risk-taking. In the Functional category, the mentor must teach, coach, counsel,
support, advise, sponsor, guide and provide resources. Finally, in the
Relational category, the mentor must facilitate mutual trust and sharing.
The rewards reaped by the mentor for
the substantial time and effort that go into the mentoring process are
highlighted by the thrill and pride resulting from seeing one’s protégé
succeed. Of great significance is the opportunity that mentoring provides in
repaying a past debt to his or her mentor for having been competently mentored
at an earlier time. The enjoyment and excitement that one will experience for
nurturing a fellow endodontist through the Board certification process are
sufficient paybacks for the many hours devoted to the effort.
STEPS IN MENTORING A
CANDIDATE
1. Find out which part of the
certification process the candidate is preparing for:
·
Written
Examination
·
Case
History Portfolio
·
Oral
Examination
2. Prepare yourself to help your
candidate by thoroughly reviewing the material that is provided in this
mentoring guide.
3. Go over the details of this
particular examination phase with the candidate: what is expected?
4. Recall and share your own successful
experience in pursuing Board certification- what did you do to prepare?
5. For the written exam, share the
multitude of resources provided in the “
6. For the case histories portfolio,
first be sure that the requirements, in terms of proper cases and categories,
are met. Then go over each case critically: Using the ABE Case History
Portfolio Guidelines is essential. The guidelines are available in a PDF format
on the ABE’s website. Both the mentor and the candidate must use the submission
checklist contained in the guidelines for each and every case. Are the
films/prints/images acceptable? Do dates on images match entries in the text?
.Is the treatment of high quality? Are the cases consistent with the level
expected of a specialist or could a general dentist have done it? Never tell
a candidate that his/her portfolio is going to pass! Only the ABE examiners
can make that decision.
7. For the oral examination, giving the
candidate an opportunity to experience a “mock Board” with you as the examiner
is critical to their success.
8. Enjoy the experience of helping an
endodontic colleague.
|
The ABE
On
The
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.
Value of Board Certification
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:
o
Achieving
the highest level of knowledge and skill possible
o
Continually
pursuing new knowledge and experience
o
Fully
understanding and applying new research and advances in the practice of
endodontics, and
o
Ensuring
the highest possible quality of care for the patient.
Definitions
|
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
Educationally Qualified Endodontist:
An
endodontist who has successfully completed an advanced education program in
endodontics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the
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.
Procedures for Certification
|
The ABE
offers two “Tracks” for completing the Board certification requirements. Track
One is the “traditional” track, which has the candidate take the written exam,
submit the case portfolio and then finish the process by sitting for the Oral
exam. Track Two has the candidate submit their case portfolio first, then take
the written and finally sit for the Oral exam.
Changes in
the certification process effective
·
The four-year identification
requirement with the specialty of endodontics is eliminated.
·
The Final Application is due after
Part II, not Part I.
Existing Time Line New Time Line
|
Preliminary Application Submitted Before 2006 |
|
Preliminary Application Submitted 2006 or After |
||
|
Step |
Maximum Time |
|
Step |
Maximum Time |
|
Part I |
3 years |
|
Part I |
3 years |
|
Final
Application |
1 year |
|
Part II |
6 years |
|
Part II |
3 years |
|
Final
Application |
1 year |
|
Part III |
2 years |
|
Part III |
2 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3-10 years |
|
|
1-10 years |
Submitting an Application as a
Student
A student
enrolled in their final year of an
Prospective
Board Candidates have the remaining year following the date of the Written
Examination to submit a Preliminary Application along with a notarized copy of
their endodontic certificate and be declared Board Eligible.
Submitting an
Application as a Educationally Qualified Endodontist
An
Educationally Qualified Endodontist may submit a Preliminary Application along
with verification of their educational qualifications to the ABE upon
completion of his/her advanced endodontic program.
The
Credentials Committee of the ABE will review the Preliminary Application of the
applicant. If it is acceptable, the applicant will be declared Board Eligible
and will be notified by the Secretary of the Board.
Final Application Requirements
Letters of
recommendation from five dentists (at least two must be Board Certified
endodontists) attesting to an applicant’s acceptable ethical and moral standing
in the profession and community is required for approval of the Final
Application.
Recertification:
Applicants
making Preliminary Application on or after
The ABE Certificate:
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 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 certification
The Title – Diplomate,
Diplomates
are permitted to use the following designation, “Diplomate,
|
Examinations Board
Certification requires successful completion of three examinations: o
Written Examination: A four hour examination that tests
a broad range of fields, including anatomy, biochemistry, pathology,
immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, radiology, statistics clinical
endodontics, and related disciplines. The focus of the examination is on the
biomedical sciences and their relationship to the specialty of
endodontics. In preparation the candidate has the opportunity to review
the biologic basis pulp and periradicular pathosis and as well as systemic
disease, diagnosis, and treatment. This permits a consolidation and
correlation of knowledge in the biologic and clinical sciences provided
during their residency program. Often during a training program
students are focused on a discipline based educational process. Board
preparation results in the integration of knowledge from varied disciplines
and often removes the myopic view of patient care. o
Case History Examination: Presentation of a broad range of
treatments from the applicant’s own practice that demonstrate exceptional
knowledge, skills, and expertise in the full scope of the field of
endodontics. The development of a case history portfolio provides the
candidate with an opportunity to demonstrate exceptional skill and expertise
in endodontics. The required clinical procedures requires the
individual to diagnose, treatment plan, and treat wide variety of complex
patients. It increases their confidence level and helps them organize
data, interpret the results, and execute a treatment plan. The required
recall re-enforces the need to confirm the inflammatory process of pulp and
periradicular disease and assess the outcome of treatment. o
Oral Examination: A team of experts question the
applicant about a variety of endodontic diagnosis and treatment situations.
Throughout the extensive interviews, a high level of skill in problem
solving, decision-making, analysis, creativity, and evaluation are required.
The oral examination is designed to evaluate the candidate’s critical
thinking and problem solving abilities. In preparation the candidate
often reviews the dental and endodontic literature. This results in
critical evaluation of treatment procedures and provides justification for
procedures. It is basis for evidence based endodontics.
The candidate also moves beyond the role of student and develops skills
permitting them to be independent life-long learners and decision
makers, free of a formalized educational process involving a mentor. Upon
completion of all three examinations, the endodontist earns the Certificate
of the Board and the title “Diplomate of The |
|
Resources for Candidates |
Review Courses
Academic Review of
Endodontology
(Bender, Seltzer, Grossman)
When: September
(2-1/2 days)
Sponsor:
Location:
Lectures given by internationally
known
educators/researchers/clinicians
Topics Covered: Endodontic microbiology and
immunology, management of medically compromised patients, pain, pulp and
periradicular pathology, fascial space infections, trauma, pharmacology, bone
biology, information on the certification process. Recent courses have included
a session sponsored by the