American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
 
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Recertification
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Maintenance


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Recertification Process

  • Is voluntary for Diplomates holding unlimited certificates
     
  • Is required for Diplomates holding time-limited certificates
     
  • Is required at 10 year intervals
     
  • Must be successfully completed by the 10th anniversary of the original certificate date, but no earlier than the 8th anniversary of that date
     
  • Involves successful completion of a written examination
     

The basic concept of recertification is that of providing specialists with an ability to demonstrate continued competence. The core knowledge of all specialties has increased. As changes in the healthcare delivery system have emphasized competence and quality assurance, recertification has become an issue that all specialty boards have had to consider.

Recertification of diplomates of specialty certification boards is an issue that was first considered by medical specialties over fifty years ago. Over the intervening years many specialty areas have developed mandatory and voluntary recertification processes. In 1973, the American Board of Medical Specialties and its Member Boards adopted the policy of recertification. Currently, nineteen of the twenty-four Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties have either implemented, or are in the process of developing recertification examinations. Similarly, the eight specialties recognized by the American Dental Association are in various stages of consideration, development, or implementation of recertification processes.

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery thoroughly investigated this trend in the 1970's and 1980's. The Board recognized the challenges that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery faced as a surgical specialty that was integrally involved with the delivery of both outpatient and hospitalized surgical care. The Board continued its commitment to the profession to develop and evolve a certifying process that was consistent with that of other surgical specialties and their certifying boards. The result of these deliberations was the decision to issue ten-year time-limited certificates. The first time-limited certificates were issued in 1990. Those individuals who received time-limited certificates at that time will remain current (active) until December 31, 2000, at which time his\her certificates will expire.

Diplomates whose certificates will expire will have the opportunity to take the recertification examination three (3) years prior to the certificate's expiration date. Each candidate will have three (3) opportunities to take and pass the recertification examination. Upon successful completion of the examination, a new certificate will be issued that will certify the Diplomate for ten (10) years following the expiration of their current certificate.

The major challenge facing all boards is what to test, and how to test current competency. Diplomates have demonstrated the knowledge of basic science and current competency in the initial certifying process. Justifiably, the recertification examination should be different than the initial certifying process and should emphasize clinical skills. It should represent the current practice and scope of the specialty. Additionally, the examination should be convenient to take. Due to the fact that those who will be participating in the recertification process have successfully completed the initial certification examinations, a high rate of successful completion is expected.

The Recertification Examination consists of multiple-choice questions. It will emphasize clinical practice. The test material will be taken from current publications and literature in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The recertification process presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Diplomates. Diplomates have historically been committed to the advancement of the specialty and lifelong learning. The recertification process will allow those individuals who hold time-limited certificates as well as those with unlimited certificates to demonstrate continued competency.

As changes continue in the healthcare delivery system, recertification will become the standard by which Diplomates will demonstrate continued competency. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery believes that voluntary recertification for those Diplomates who hold unlimited certificated will become a requirement of many third-party reimbursement programs. Although recertification will be mandatory for only those Diplomates who hold time-limited certificates, all Diplomates are encouraged and welcome to participate in the process. Diplomates with unlimited certificates who take the recertification examination, regardless of the results, will alwaysmaintain unlimited certificates.

Click here for the Recertification Examination Application


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The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, All Rights Reserved
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Telephone: (312) 642-0070 - FAX: (312) 642-8584