CHICAGO, April 19, 2016– In response to a growing number of AO members seeking distinction in the field of implant dentistry, the Academy is launching the AO Certificate in Implant Dentistry. This Certificate represents the highest standards of excellence in implant dentistry, and distinguishes practitioners’ continuing education efforts and knowledge to patients and colleagues around the globe.
“The AO Certificate challenges dedicated implant clinicians to attain their personal best,” said Dr. Amerian Sones, chair of the Fellowship and Certificate committee, which includes both general dentists and specialists. “Certificate qualifications will guide clinicians on an organized and clear path to achievement.”
The application, along with a Q&A and supporting resources, is available on AO’s Website at osseo.organd members can now begin the application process.
“This recognition will be appreciated by many entities – patients, staff and colleagues – and will impact the clinician’s practice for years to come,” added Dr. Sones.
All awardees will receive recognition at a special ceremony at the 2017 Annual Meeting, being held in Orlando, Fla., March 15-18, 2017,where they will be presented with the certificate and lapel pin. Photographs of each awardee will be featured in Academy News, announced to industry media and recognized on AO's website.
“This Certificate can also help patients to select their clinician with the knowledge that they are not only members of AO – the premier implant organization globally – but have also been recognized by the Academy for their continuing education and practice in the field of dental implants,” said Dr. Michael Norton, Board Liaison to the Fellowship & Certificate committee.
To qualify for the Certificate, applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Continuing Education and Core Knowledge– Applicants must present evidence of verifiable CDEs (CERPS, CPD, etc.) over a three-year period, on implant-related material, totaling 200 hours, to include 85 hours of “core knowledge” continuing education hours. The continuing education training (lecture and hands-on) that emphasizes surgical and/or restorative protocols must be obtained from ADA-CERP recognized providers.Applicants will need to provide a digital copy of the certificate of training.
Case Reports – Each applicant is required to submit four case presentations to be evaluated, using the Case Presentation Template (CPT) and covering these categories:
- single tooth
- fixed partial denture (fixed bridge)
- full-arch fixed reconstruction
- overdenture
Members may select the application that best suits their training, with a focus on surgery, restorative, or both surgery and restorative aspects of dental implant treatment. One of the cases presented should fulfill an immediate temporization/loading protocol. Each case presentation will require a witnessing signature.
Commitment to AO – At the time of application, each applicant must have been an AO member for three consecutive years and have attended a minimum of two Annual Meetings during that three-year period.
