Professional Education, Development and Recognition for AAP Members
Annual Meeting
At the Annual Meeting, held in the fall, participants acquire new skills and techniques through continuing education opportunities, updates on current scientific research, and insight into the future of the profession. The meeting's educational and scientific programming focuses on both clinical topics and practice management issues. Opportunities to hear formally from the experts are balanced with time for informal discussions with colleagues. An exhibition showcases the latest products and services pertinent to the profession.
Specialty Conferences
The Academy regularly sponsors specialty conferences in response to identified member needs, often in collaboration with other dental organizations. Past specialty conferences have focused on restorative dentistry, periodontal and orthodontic treatment, the needs of young periodontists, implant dentistry, practice management and technology, periodontal disease management, perio cosmetic surgery, and clinical trial design and analysis.
Online Continuing Education Seminars
The Academy has recently begun offering Web-based live events and recorded on-demand seminars dealing with key issues in periodontics. Members can stay current on developments in the field and earn
Journal of Periodontology
First published in 1929, the Journal is the official scholarly publication of the Academy, presenting the latest advances in the science and practice of periodontal disease and related fields. Viewed as one of the most important benefits of membership, the Journal is sent each month to dues-paying AAP members and is available by paid subscriptions to nonmembers. Members and subscribers also have online access to a searchable database of full-text Journal articles from 1999 on.
Annals of Periodontology
Volumes of the Annals of Periodontology contain papers from selected symposia and meetings of particular interest to the periodontal community. AAP members may purchase all volumes published to date at a discount price and search abstracts online.
Position Papers
The Academy also publishes position, informational, and research papers on the etiology, pathogenesis, or treatment of periodontal diseases. New position papers and current updates are published in the
Parameters of Care
These parameters on the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases were developed by the Academy to help the profession provide appropriate dental services. They are updated periodically and are available to download free of charge on the Academy's Web site or to purchase in single or multiple copies from the AAP Products Catalog.
Scientific and Clinical Books and CDs
Members enjoy significant discounts off the regular price of Academy-produced print and multimedia resources covering all aspects of periodontics. Orders may be placed by mail, fax, phone, or online.
In-Service Examination
The Academy develops and administers the annual In-Service Examination, which is offered to all students in postdoctoral periodontal programs in the United States and Canada. Members may access past In-Service Examinations online free of charge to help them assess and update their knowledge on an ongoing basis.
American Board of Periodontology Certification
The Academy sponsors the American Board of Periodontology, which evaluates standards of periodontic practice by examining the qualifications and competence of dentists who voluntarily apply to the Board for certification as diplomates. A candidate is designated "Board Eligible" after successful completion of the written examination and must successfully complete the Oral Examination within its next two (2)-full-year cycle.
Academy Awards
The American Academy of Periodontology sponsors an awards program to recognize members for their outstanding contributions to the Academy and the profession. Members are encouraged to nominate fellow members for these prestigious awards. The Membership and Awards Committee reviews all nominations and submits its recommendations to the Board of Trustees. Award recipients are announced in May and honored during the Annual Meeting Opening Breakfast and Awards Ceremony.
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