Opinions of pediatric dentists regarding their board certification process

Despite frequently heard criticisms of the board certification process in pediatric dentistry, pediatric dentists have never been surveyed on this issue. To achieve a representative opinion, a formal survey was conducted during the summer and fall of 1990. The survey sample consisted of 300 practitioners selected randomly from the list of 4300 United States pediatric dentists. The survey form included demographic data, board status, general opinions about the process, and specific estimates of the reliability, validity, and utility of each of the five examination components. Comments were encouraged. A follow-up reminder was sent several weeks after the initial mailing. Ten forms were returned as undeliverable, reducing the sample to 290. In all, 150 forms were returned, for a return rate of 52%. One hundred and thirty-eight forms were completed and analyzed. This number included 54 pediatric Diplomates and 84 nonboarded pediatric dentists. The Written and Oral sections generally were rated more favorably than the Case History, Site Visit, and Simulation sections. Nonboarded respondents were significantly more critical of the process on every item, without exception. All differences exceeded the 0.01 level.