| Being....A PROFESSIONAL Specialists in pediatric dentistry are health care professional. Commitment to caring for the oral health of the nation's children characterizes these practitioners. Ten years or more of higher education is demonstration of the attainment of pediatric dentists. Improving their performance and achieving dentistry to excel. Service to humanity, higher education, and self-improvement constitute the cardinal characteristics of true professions. Being....A PEDIATRIC DENTIST A specialist in dentistry is one who has completed a general collegiate education, earned a doctoral degree in dentistry from the county's colleges of dentistry, and has completed two or more years in a residency program in an accredited university or hospital. This educational experience qualifies the specialist as being uniquely trained to care for the oral health of infants, children and teenagers. Being....A DIPLOMATE IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY For a group of pediatric dentists the personal quest for excellence challenges them to seek an evaluation and critique of their abilities by their colleagues. After a significant period of clinical experience, pediatric dentist are eligible to be examined by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a board of seven peers elected by the pediatric dental specialists of the county. This rigorous examination, divided into several parts, usually requires a period of five to eight years to complete. The evaluation is voluntary and is for the purpose of validation and improvement of the pediatric dentist's clinical abilities. Successful completion of the examination permits one to be designated a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and become a member of the College of Diplomates. The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry was chartered in 1942, and is the only recognized Specialty Board in pediatric dentistry. The Board is sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Further information may be obtained from the: AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Indiana University School of Dentistry 1121 West Michigan Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 |