Certification

EAO Certification in Implant Based Therapy

The EAO is pleased to announce the launch of its Certificate in Implant-based Therapy. As the only Europe-wide standardised assessment of implant-based therapy, the certificate forms an essential benchmark for all dentists involved in this challenging area of patient care.

1. Why has the EAO introduced a Certificate in Implant-based Therapy?

The Certificate will provide a Europe-wide benchmark for assessing knowledge and skills in implant-based therapy.

2. What are the benefits of certification?

Candidates who successfully complete the certification programme will be able to demonstrate to both patients and regulatory authorities that they are competent to perform basic implant treatments. The certificate may also provide beneficial in settling disputes or disagreements.

3. Who can apply for certification?

Certification is open to any dentist worldwide, providing they fulfil the entry requirements. Candidates do not need to be members of EAO.

4. How do I register for the programme?

You can register for the certification programme via the EAO's website (applications open in February 2010). The certification process will begin after you have submitted six cases that meet the EAO's qualifying guidelines.

5. What is the certification fee?

The registration fee is 500 Euros which is payable prior to the submission of your case presentations. A further fee of 1,000 Euros is payable prior to sitting the multiple-choice test and oral examination.

6. What happens following the initial registration?

You will need to:

·        download a blank patient presentations form from the EAO's website.

·        compile six implant patient cases that meet the qualifying guidelines

·        submit the cases to the EAO office in Brussels.

Once your case presentations have been acknowledged and accepted, you will be invited to sit the examination at the next EAO meeting.

7. When can I take the examination?

The examination will normally be held immediately before the EAO Annual Congress. The first examination has been scheduled to take place in Glasgow in October 2010.

8. What does the examination involve?

The first part is a multiple-choice test. Candidates who complete this successfully will then take an oral examination. During the oral examination, candidates will be asked about their six case presentations. Their theoretical knowledge will also be evaluated.

9. What is the focus of the theoretical examination?

In general, candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of theoretical and clinical implant-based therapy. This includes basic knowledge of:

• Anatomy
• Pathology
• Biomechanics
• Physiology
• Histology
• Applied dental materials
• Applied pharmacology
• Radiology
• Biostatistics

10. Who are the examiners?

The multiple-choice questions will be compiled by an independent examination board. The board for the oral examination will be made up of three examiners drawn from university staff, experienced practitioners and scientists from around the world.

11. Can I repeat the examination?

If you fail either part of the examination you can retake it the following year.

12. When will I receive the certificate once I have passed the examination?

Certificates will be presented during the Awards Ceremony of the annual EAO Annual Congress, the day after the successful completion of the examination.