Top 11 Pediatric Dentist Certifications

Certifications are incredibly important for pediatric dentists in the job market. Certifications demonstrate that a dentist has the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to children. They also serve as a mark of distinction and can be used to differentiate one candidate from another when applying for jobs. Additionally, certifications can give employers confidence that the pediatric dentist is qualified to provide safe and effective care for their young patients. Finally, certifications can open up new opportunities for advancement, as employers may be more likely to promote or hire someone with additional credentials.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Pediatric Dentists and explains how they can help advance their career.

What are Pediatric Dentist Certifications?

Pediatric dentist certification is a specialty certificate offered by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). The ABPD is an independent, nonprofit organization that certifies dentists who specialize in the care and treatment of infants, children, adolescents, and those with special needs. To be eligible for certification, a dentist must have completed an accredited pediatric dental residency program and passed a rigorous examination process.

The ABPD's certification provides assurance to patients and parents that their child's dentist has met the highest standards in pediatric dental care. Pediatric dentists certified by the ABPD are well-trained in preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of dental conditions specific to children. They also understand the unique physical and psychological needs of children while providing comprehensive oral health care services. Having a dentist with this certification can help ensure that your child receives quality dental care tailored to his or her individual needs.

Pro Tip: Obtaining pediatric dentist certification is an important step for any dentist looking to specialize in pediatric dentistry. It requires specialized knowledge and additional training beyond the basic requirements of a general dentist, so be sure to research the specific requirements and make sure you have the necessary qualifications before pursuing certification.

Related: What does a Pediatric Dentist do?

Top 11 Pediatric Dentist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pediatric Dentists today.

1. Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

The Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes dentists who have achieved advanced knowledge and experience in pediatric dentistry. It is the highest level of recognition available to dentists who specialize in providing dental care for infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special health care needs.

To become a Diplomate of the ABPD, a dentist must be licensed to practice dentistry in at least one US state and must have completed an accredited post-doctoral residency program in pediatric dentistry. The dentist must also pass both written and oral examinations administered by the ABPD. The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions related to clinical practice and research in pediatric dentistry. The oral examination consists of case presentations and discussions on topics related to pediatric dentistry.

It typically takes three years from the time a dentist begins their residency program until they are eligible to take the ABPD examinations. Once all requirements are met, it can take up to six months for the results of the examinations to be processed and for certification as a Diplomate of the ABPD to be granted.

The cost for taking the written exam is $1,500 USD, while the cost for taking the oral exam is $2,000 USD.

2. Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

The Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (FAAPD) is a prestigious credential awarded to dentists who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and skill in the field of pediatric dentistry. The FAAPD designation is granted by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD), an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards for excellence in pediatric dentistry.

To be eligible for the FAAPD credential, a dentist must be a Diplomate of the ABPD and have at least five years of experience as a practicing pediatric dentist. This includes providing comprehensive dental care to infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. In addition, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to continuing education by completing at least 100 hours of approved continuing education courses over the past five years.

To apply for the FAAPD credential, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts from dental school and proof of completion of continuing education courses. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from other board-certified pediatric dentists attesting to their professional qualifications. The application fee is $1,500 USD.

Once all requirements are met and the application is approved by the ABPD board members, applicants will be awarded their FAAPD designation and may use it on their business cards or other professional materials.

3. Certified Pediatric Dental Anesthesiologist

Certified Pediatric Dental Anesthesiologist (CPDA) is a specialty certification awarded by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). It recognizes dentists who have achieved advanced education and training in the safe and effective use of anesthetic agents for pediatric dental patients. The CPDA designation is considered the gold standard in pediatric dental anesthesiology.

To become a Certified Pediatric Dental Anesthesiologist, you must complete a two-year residency program in pediatric dentistry that includes at least one year of dedicated anesthesiology training. You must also pass both written and practical examinations administered by the ABPD.

The cost to become certified as a CPDA varies depending on the specific program you choose, but typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking and passing the ABPD certification exams.

4. Certified Orthodontic Technician

Certified Orthodontic Technician (COT) is a professional certification for individuals who assist orthodontists in providing patient care. The COT certification is awarded by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). It requires completion of a rigorous training program and passing an examination.

The COT certification program involves both classroom and clinical instruction, and covers topics such as patient care, orthodontic materials, instrumentation, and practice management. It typically takes six months to complete the program, but may take up to two years depending on the individual’s experience level.

To become certified, applicants must have completed at least two years of formal education in an accredited dental assisting or orthodontic assisting program. They must also have at least one year of experience working directly with patients in an orthodontic office or clinic. Applicants must also pass a written exam administered by the AAO.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the individual’s experience level and the type of program they choose to complete. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000-$3,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing the COT program.

5. Certified Dental Assistant in Pediatric Dentistry

Certified Dental Assistant in Pediatric Dentistry (CDA-Pedo) is a certification program designed to recognize dental assistants who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in the field of pediatric dentistry. This certification is offered through the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

The CDA-Pediatric Dentistry exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as patient assessment, infection control, radiography, charting and documentation, materials handling and instrumentation, dental anatomy and physiology, preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, behavior management techniques and child psychology. Candidates must pass this exam to become certified.

To be eligible for the CDA-Pediatric Dentistry exam, candidates must meet certain educational requirements. These include having completed at least two years of approved education or training in the field of pediatric dentistry or having completed at least one year of approved education or training in both general dentistry and pediatric dentistry. Candidates must also have worked as a dental assistant for at least one year within the past five years.

The cost of taking the CDA-Pediatric Dentistry exam varies depending on your location. The fee generally ranges from $250 to $400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and submitting required documents.

Once you have successfully passed the CDA-Pediatric Dentistry exam, you will receive a certificate that is valid for three years from date of issue. To maintain your certification status after three years, you will need to complete continuing education courses related to pediatric dentistry every two years during your certification period.

6. Certified Sealant Specialist

Certified Sealant Specialist (CSS) is a certification program offered by the International Masonry Institute (IMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the installation of sealants for masonry and related applications. The program consists of a two-day course and a written exam.

The course covers topics such as selection, preparation, application, inspection and maintenance of sealants. It also includes hands-on training with various types of sealants used in masonry applications. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are eligible to take the written exam which consists of multiple-choice questions based on the material covered in the course.

The cost to obtain Certified Sealant Specialist certification is $400 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes both the two-day course and the written exam. The time commitment for obtaining this certification varies depending on individual learning styles; however, it typically takes around two days to complete both components of the program.

To get Certified Sealant Specialist certification, you must first enroll in an approved IMI training provider’s two-day course. After successfully completing the course, you will be eligible to take the written exam which must be taken at an IMI approved testing center. Once you pass both components of the program, you will receive your certificate from IMI as well as a wallet card indicating that you are officially certified as a Certified Sealant Specialist.

7. Certified Oral Health Educator

Certified Oral Health Educator (COHE) is a certification program offered by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). This certification is designed to recognize and validate dental hygienists who are committed to providing quality oral health education to patients, families, and communities.

The COHE program requires that applicants have a minimum of two years of experience as a dental hygienist, including one year of clinical practice. Applicants must also complete at least 10 hours of continuing education in oral health education and demonstrate competency in seven core areas: patient/client assessment; teaching methods; communication skills; curriculum development; educational resources; evaluation techniques; and professional ethics.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the COHE program requirements. The cost for the COHE program is $300 for ADHA members and $450 for non-members.

8. Certified Fluoride Specialist

A Certified Fluoride Specialist (CFS) is a professional who has been trained and certified to provide fluoride treatments to patients. The CFS program was created by the American Dental Association (ADA) in order to ensure that dentists are providing safe and effective fluoride treatments for their patients.

The CFS program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To become a Level I CFS, dentists must complete an ADA-approved course on fluoride therapy, pass a written exam, and demonstrate proficiency in the clinical application of fluoride treatments. To become a Level II CFS, dentists must complete additional coursework and pass an oral exam.

The process of becoming a Certified Fluoride Specialist can take up to six months to complete. The cost of the program varies depending on the level of certification sought; however, it typically ranges from $750-$1,200 USD.

9. Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS) Certification is a certification program designed to help healthcare professionals recognize and treat life-threatening cardiac and respiratory emergencies. It is designed for healthcare providers who already have basic life support skills, such as CPR and AED training. The certification is typically valid for two years and can be renewed by completing a recertification course.

The ACLS certification course usually takes two days to complete, with the first day devoted to lectures and the second day devoted to hands-on practice of skills learned in the lecture portion. During the course, participants learn how to recognize and treat cardiac arrest, stroke, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, and other cardiovascular emergencies. They also learn about airway management, pharmacology, resuscitation techniques, teamwork strategies, and more.

To get ACLS certified you must take an approved ACLS course from an accredited provider. Most courses require that you have current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification prior to enrolling in the class. After successfully completing the course you will receive your official ACLS certification card which is valid for two years from the date of completion.

The cost of an ACLS certification course varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges between $200 - $400 USD per person.

10. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification is a certification that healthcare professionals, such as nurses, paramedics, and EMTs, must obtain in order to provide basic medical care. BLS certification is designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies. It includes CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), AED (automated external defibrillator) use, airway management, and other basic life support techniques.

The duration of a BLS certification course typically ranges from 4-6 hours depending on the provider. The course can be taken online or in person at an accredited institution. Online courses are self-paced and can be completed at any time. In-person courses may require participants to attend a classroom session and complete hands-on training with an instructor.

The cost of a BLS certification course varies depending on the provider and the type of course chosen. Online courses typically range from $50-$100 while in-person courses may cost upwards of $200 or more.

Once the course is completed successfully, participants will receive their BLS certification card which must be renewed every two years in order for it to remain valid.

11. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification is a specialized training program for healthcare professionals that focuses on the recognition and management of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to cardiac emergencies in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital settings.

The ACLS certification course typically takes two days to complete, although some programs may offer accelerated one-day courses. The course includes lectures, simulations, and hands-on practice sessions that cover topics such as airway management, pharmacology, resuscitation techniques, rhythm recognition, and team dynamics.

To get an ACLS certification, you must first complete an American Heart Association (AHA) approved course. These courses are offered by hospitals, medical centers, universities, community colleges, and other organizations throughout the United States. You can find a list of approved providers on the AHA website.

The cost of ACLS certification varies depending on where you take the course. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$400 for the two day course or $100-$200 for the one day course.

Do You Really Need a Pediatric Dentist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. If you are considering a career in pediatric dentistry, then a certificate from a specialized program may be necessary to demonstrate your qualifications and experience. However, if you are simply looking for additional knowledge or skills related to the field of pediatric dentistry, then a certificate may not be required.

For those looking for a career in pediatric dentistry, it is important to note that most states require practitioners to have completed an accredited program and pass certain licensing exams before they can practice. Additionally, many employers will look favorably upon job applicants who possess certificates from specialized programs that demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their knowledge of the subject matter.

In order to determine whether you need a certificate in pediatric dentistry, consider your long-term goals and the requirements of your chosen profession. A certificate can serve as evidence of your expertise in this area and help you stand out among other candidates vying for the same position. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if obtaining such certification will be beneficial for your career path.

Related: Pediatric Dentist Resume Examples

FAQs About Pediatric Dentist Certifications

1. What is a Pediatric Dentist Certification?

A Pediatric Dentist Certification is a specialized certification that demonstrates an advanced level of knowledge and training in the field of pediatric dentistry. It is conferred by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD).

2. How do I become certified as a Pediatric Dentist?

To be certified as a pediatric dentist, you must first complete an accredited dental school program, then pass both parts of the ABPD examination. Afterward, you must meet all state licensing requirements before being eligible to practice pediatric dentistry.

3. What are the benefits of having a Pediatric Dentist Certification?

Having a Pediatric Dentist Certification shows that you have met the highest standards for providing quality care and expertise in the field of pediatric dentistry. This certification also provides recognition among fellow dentists and patients alike, as well as potential employers and other health care providers.

4. What type of continuing education is required to maintain my certification?

Once certified, ABPD requires completion of 50 units of continuing education every five years in order to maintain your certification status. The units must include topics related to pediatric dentistry such as preventive care, diagnosis and treatment planning, dental materials, anesthesia and pharmacology, patient management, biomaterials science, oral pathology and more.

5. Is there any additional information I should know about the certification process?

The ABPD also offers various fellowship programs that can provide additional training opportunities for those interested in furthering their knowledge and expertise in pediatric dentistry beyond what is required for initial certification. Additionally, all applicants must agree to abide by the ABPD's Code of Ethics when applying for certification or maintaining their existing certifications at any point in time.