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 commitment 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 apply for Board Eligibility. The candidate’s application will then be forwarded to the ABOD Committee on Candidate Eligibility and Credentials for evaluation. Once eligibility is granted the candidate may take the written examination. Successful completion of the written examination is required 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.

Complete ABOD Procedural Guide

Eligibility

The qualifications required by candidates to obtain eligibility by the American Board of Operative Dentistry, Inc., include:

1. Have graduated from an accredited dental school in the United States or Canada. Additionally, graduates of other dental schools may be accepted at the discretion of the Committee on Eligibility and Credentials. At a minimum, graduates of other dental schools must have successfully completed an acceptable (+), formal (#), advanced education in operative or restorative dentistry.

2. Conform to the acceptable moral and ethical standards delineated by the American Dental Association.

3. Have completed four years in the full-time practice (*) of dentistry, with a special interest in Operative Dentistry, or have completed two years in the practice of dentistry which includes successful completion of an acceptable (+), formal (#), advanced education in Operative Dentistry.

(+) “Acceptable” refers to those formal 2 or more year programs in Operative, Restorative, or General Dentistry offered by educational institutions accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation.

(#) The term “formal” refers to a course or program with a minimum of two (2) full-time academic years or its equivalent. The major emphasis of this academic course or program must be on operative-restorative procedures and supporting disciplines.

(*) “Full-time practice” refers to private practice, teaching Operative Dentistry, or military or public health service with a strong operative component, or any combination of the above.

Fees *

All certification program fees are non-refundable. * Fees may be adjusted to cover examiner expenses as appropriate.

Application / Information

Application Instructions
Application Form

For more information or to receive an application, please contact:

Justine Kolker, DDS MS PhD
ABOD Secretary/Treasurer
University of Iowa
College of Dentistry
Department of Operative Dentistry
Phone (319) 335-7583
E-mail justine-kolker@uiowa.edu

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