Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology: is it in your future?

Periodontists who become diplomates of the American Board of Periodontology do so for many reasons. The intent of this paper is to explore the motivational factors of a select group of periodontists who have become diplomates. A survey questionnaire was mailed to 129 diplomates (1980-1984) asking them the question: "What motivated you to obtain diplomatic status in the American Board of Periodontology?" The answers from 95 diplomates were as varied as the individual respondents, but the principal motive was "personal achievement." This internalization for the need to become a diplomate was dominant over all external influences. Calculations made since January 1979 and the comments from the participants in this study strongly suggest that additional enticements must be forthcoming to draw more periodontists into diplomate status.