Board Certified - What It Means and Why It Matters
What is a Diplomate?
A Diplomate is a periodontist who has made significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements of the specialty and who is certified by the American Board of Periodontology. The significance of Board Certification lies beyond achieving the approval of that panel of experts. It lies also in the inner motivation for continual professional development and in the knowledge and skills that are gained from the continued critical review of the results of one's own efforts.
To be educationally qualified for Board certification requires:
- Certification as a dentist, including basic college education and completion of dental school to earn the D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree and;
- Certification as a periodontist after postdoctoral study in an ADA approved program.
In addition to the educational requirements, Board certification requires:
- Comprehensive qualifying and oral examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease and its treatment, including dental implants.
- Examination of detailed reports on a broad range of actual treatment provided by the Board of Periodontology.
- Recertification every six years.
Why It Matters To You?
Dr. Gaston Berenguer has been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and awarded the Diplomate status. This is one of the highest recognitions of achievement afforded to Peridontist.
Not every periodontist is board certified. By obtaining Diplomate status, Dr. Berenguer has demonstrated:
- Continued professional development
- Proficiency in his skills
- The desire to provide the best care possible
- And earned the confidence of the American Board of Periodontology