Summer 2024
It’s a great honor for me to serve as President of the College of Diplomates (COD) of the American Board of Endodontics, and a privilege to work with a group dedicated to making our specialty the best it can be through leadership and lifelong education. We have an enthusiastic, creative and hardworking Board of Directors dedicated to helping endodontists become board certified.
As a colleague said, “Being an endodontist is hitting the lottery.” She was describing her profound appreciation of the privilege of being an endodontist. This profession gives so much to many of us, we feel compelled to give back. Some of our mentees find it almost incomprehensible how deeply we want them to succeed. Of course, this is a reflection of our gratitude to those who inspired us. I believe that being board certified allows us to be our best and provide the best care and instruction.
The COD’s mission has two parts: (1) help educationally qualified endodontists achieve Diplomate status by mentoring candidates throughout their certification process and providing board review courses; and (2) provide the most innovative CE and mentorship opportunities for our members. Dr. John (Jeff) Neal has been directing our mentorship program and is also now our President Elect. He has done an outstanding job organizing and matching mentors with candidates. Please visit our website at www.collegeofdiplomates. org if you would like to give back to our profession and help a colleague by being a mentor or mock-orals examiner.
Every two years, the COD hosts a special CE program in a venue conducive for education and fun! Our 2024 Summer Conference is on August 1-4 at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, Florida. It will consist of a brief welcome reception, followed by three mornings of outstanding speakers. In the spirit of collaboration, we are allowing members to invite non-members as guests to register, as well as endodontic residents and recent graduates. We encourage members to attend and enjoy the afternoons and evenings with their family and friends. (Please visit our website for details.)
This year, we have added another goal for the COD: to establish helpful relationships with other organizations and programs that support endodontic candidates pursuing board certification. On September 13-15, the COD will partner with the IB Bender Division of Endodontics at the Einstein Medical College to host their Bender-Seltzer Grossman board review course. We will continue to provide our annual board review course, biannual mock oral exams, mentors to help candidates prepare for the oral board exams and/or case portfolios, and our biennial summer conferences.
Lastly, I want to thank our very talented Board of Directors: Drs. Glickman, Neal, Lisell, Salazar, Noguera, Taylor, Weisleder and Benjamin; Summer Conference Committee Chair: Dr. Frick; mentors; and amazing Executive Secretary, Aimee Rylko, for all their dedication and hard work. We are very excited as we look forward to another year of helping candidates become board certified, providing superlative CE, and collaborating with other endodontic organizations and programs.
S. Craig Schneider, President
