2018 Certification Guidelines – “How to become a Diplomate”
American Sleep and Breathing Academy
Candidates must submit proof of 50 hours of continuing education in Dental Sleep Medicine within the last 2 years. This year’s Board Review and Annual Meeting can count towards the 50 hours. Proof must be mailed in with application before sitting for examination.
Submit 12 cases that you personally treated successfully with Oral Appliance Therapy. All studies must have been done within the last five years.
Four must be severe, where the AHI was reduced by at least 50%. Four must be moderate where the AHI was reduced by at least 50% and have a treated AHI of less than 10. Four can be mild to moderate with a treated AHI reduced by at least 50% and less than 5.
All cases should be submitted with pre- and post-treatment Sleep Studies administered by an AASM accredited or similar lab, to psv101@icloud.com, within one year of passing the exam. The pre- and post-treatment studies should have the patients’ names blocked out and be marked pre- or post-study and mild, moderate or severe OSA. Also, a brief synopsis of the case should be included with the reason(s) for choice of particular appliance.
- Pass the 120-question Diplomate exam, given in April following the annual meeting. Categories for the exam:
- Basic Sleep Medicine
- Oral Appliance Therapy
- Polysomnography
- Portable Monitors
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Complications
- CPAP
- Imaging
Candidates must write to Dr. Paul Van Walleghem at psv101@icloud.com to receive an application to take the Diplomate exam. It is highly recommended that candidates attend the board review course given by the ASBA prior to the exam (this is optional). A mock exam will be given at the review course.
The American Board of Sleep and Breathing (ABSB) is an independent board, providing a Diplomate designation to licensed dentists who treat sleep related breathing disorders. The ABSB Diplomate designation does not represent a specialty in dentistry or medicine, nor does it grant or imply any legal qualification. Instead, it recognizes those dentists duly licensed by law in their state, who have met the requirements of the ABSB.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to write to psv101@icloud.com