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Is voluntary for Diplomates holding unlimited certificates
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Is required for Diplomates holding time-limited certificates
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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
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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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