PBP Guidelines for Diplomate Examinations 2023 | Philippine Society of Periodontology

Guidelines from the Diplomate Examination of the American Board of Periodontology and the Membership in Periodontics Examination from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Michigan Board of Periodontology (Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) have heavily influenced this work. Several portions have been lifted directly from those sources.

Periodontology as a Specialty

Periodontology is one of the seven specialties recognized by the Board of Dentistry.

A periodontist is the specialist in a specific discipline in dentistry, which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes, including placement, rehabilitation, and site development with dental implants, regeneration of lost components of the periodontium, and maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures, tissues and substitutes.

Mission Statement

The Philippine Board of Periodontology was established with the main goal of advancing the art and science of Periodontics/ Periodontology through the examination, certification and accreditation of specialists in Periodontics. The following are its main functions:

Recognize and accredit institutions of higher learning which offers postgraduate training programs in Periodontology/Periodontics.
Screen and conduct accreditation processes for candidates wishing to be recognized as a specialist in the clinical practice of Periodontology/Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Review and evaluate training programs in Periodontics to conform to internationally accepted standards.
Assist the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in matters concerning dental practice particularly in Periodontics and in establishing the standard of periodontal care in the Philippines.
Issue the Diplomate Certification to the candidate who successfully completes the specialty accreditation process.
Set re-validation guidelines for diplomates of the PBPerio.
Administer re-validation procedures to existing diplomates of the PBPerio wishing to maintain their specialist status.

Composition of the Board

Philippine Board of Periodontology Chair:

Nannette Vergel de Dios, BS, DDM, MDSc., Dip. PBPerio

Philippine Board of Periodontology Members:

Andrea Arancillo, DMD, Cert. AGS, MSD, Dip. PBPerio
Luis Salvador Litonjua, DDS, DMD, MS, Cert. Perio, BS, Dip. ABPerio, Dip. PBPerio
Regina Isabel Santos-Morales, DDM, Cert. Perio, Dip. ABPerio, Dip. PBPerio
Juan Rafael Antonio Gerardo Silva, JD, DDM, MDS, Cert. Perio, Adv. Dip., MPerio RCS Edin., Dip. PBPerio
Maria Shervy Monica Villareal-de Cerqueira Costa, DMD, Cert. Perio, Dip. PBPerio
Vivian Virata, DDM, MS, Cert. Perio, Dip. PBPerio

Examiners of the Board

Examiners are selected by the members of the Philippine Board of Periodontology (PBPerio or the Board) to conduct the Diplomate Examination and perform other duties as the Board may assign.

Philippine Board of Periodontology Diplomate Examinations and the Diplomate Process

The PBPerio Diplomate Examination is composed of three parts: Qualifying Examination (Part 1 Written), Clinical Proficiency Examination (Part 2 Oral), and Diplomate Certifying Examination (Part 3 Oral). The Qualifying Examination (Part 1 Written) is a one-day written examination, and if successfully passed, will qualify the candidate to take the Clinical Proficiency Examination. The Clinical Proficiency Examination (Part 2 Oral) is composed of fully documented case presentations submitted by the candidates. If successfully passed, the candidate will be awarded Fellow status and may proceed to the Diplomate Certifying Examination. The Diplomate Certifying Examination (Part 3 Oral) is composed of discussion of cases and scenarios given by the Board. Once passed, the candidate is awarded Diplomate status. Fellow and Diplomate titles are conferred by the BOD. Only after a candidate has attained Diplomate status can one call oneself a Specialist or Periodontist.

PBPerio Qualifying Examination

The PBPerio Qualifying Examination (Part 1 Written), the first step, is a multiple-choice and essay question test that covers a broad range of information relating to the science and practice of periodontology and implant dentistry. See below for PBPerio Qualifying Examination Outline.

When Examination is Conducted

The PBPerio Qualifying Exam will be conducted yearly. It must be completed in one day at the designated testing center.

Qualifying Examination Eligibility

The candidate must be a member of the Philippine Society of Periodontology.
Individuals qualified to challenge the PBPerio Qualifying Examination:

2.1. The individual is a
2.1.1. graduate of at least a 3-year clinical postgraduate program in Periodontics from a non- accredited training institution from 2022 and earlier. Graduates from non-accredited programs have until July 2023 to take the PBP Qualifying Examination. After July 2023, only graduates from PBP accredited clinical postgraduate programs in Periodontics will be allowed to challenge the PBP Qualifying Examination. Presently, there are NO PBPerio accredited clinical postgraduate programs in Periodontics in the Philippines.
2.1.2. graduate of at least a 2-year clinical postgraduate program in Periodontology from a PBP accredited training institution (international) and show proof of practice in Periodontics for at least 1 year.
2.1.3. graduate of at least a 3-year clinical postgraduate program in Periodontics from a PBP accredited training institution.
2.1.4. members of the PSP who were categorized as FELLOWS by the PRC on February 2014.
2.2. Must be a holder of a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card in Dentistry (PRC).
2.3. He/she has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude.

Qualifying Examination Application

Provide a recent full color Philippine passport style photograph.
The candidate must complete two forms and submit evidence of completion of clinical postgraduate training in Periodontics:
1. PBPerio Qualifying Examination Application and Credentials Form (Form A).
2. PBPerio Diplomate Examination Attestation (Form B). (this form applies to all exams).
Make sure all documents are signed and dated and all questions are answered. The Application, Credentials, and Attestation Forms and evidence of completion of the clinical post- graduate program in Periodontics from non-accredited training institutions must accompany the non- refundable application fee of PHP10,000.00.
Include these documents:
1. CV with passport size photo
2. License
3. Diploma
4. Course Outline
5. Post-grad transcripts
An informal interview may be required at the discretion of the PBPerio.

Eligibility to take the Oral Examinations (Clinical Proficiency Examination Part 2 Oral & Diplomate Certifying Examination Part 3 Oral)

Candidates who pass the PBPerio Qualifying Examination must complete the PBPerio Oral Examinations (Clinical Proficiency Examination Part 2 Oral and Diplomate Certifying Exam Part 3 Oral) within three (3) years from the year the PBPerio Qualifying Examination (Part 1 Written) was successfully completed unless an extension is granted.

Request for a one (1) year extension to complete the PBPerio Oral Examinations may be made in writing to the Board Office and must be received before the 2nd Monday of January the year eligibility expires. The Chair of the Board will approve extensions for qualified candidates without Board action. Questionable requests will be considered by the Board.
Requests will be granted only when in the Board’s judgment the candidate was prevented from taking the Oral Examination by extenuating circumstances.
A maximum of one request will be considered by the Board, otherwise, candidate will need to retake and pass the Qualifying Examination (Part 1 Written).
Candidates who successfully pass the Qualifying Examination must write a formal letter of intent to take the Clinical Proficiency Examination (Part 2 Oral). The Examination will then be scheduled. Once the candidate passes the Clinical Proficiency Examination (Part 2 Oral), the candidate must write a formal letter of intent to take the Diplomate Certifying Examination (Part 3 Oral). This examination will then be scheduled.

Process and Fees

The candidate must be a member of the Philippine Society of Periodontology.
The total fee for the Diplomate Examination is ₱70,000
- ₱10,000 Application Fee
- ₱20,000 Qualifying Examination Fee (Part 1 Written)
- ₱20,000 Clinical Proficiency Examination Fee (Part 2 Oral)
- ₱20,000 Diplomate Qualifying Examination Fee (Part 3 Oral)
The Application fee of ₱10,000 shall accompany the completed Application & Credentials Form (Form A), Diplomate Examination Attestation (Form B) and must be submitted to the email of PBPerio ‘s executive secretary’s email philperio.org@gmail.com by the 1st Monday of June of the year candidate plans to take the Qualifying Examination. Include these documents:
- CV with passport size photo
- License
- Diploma
- Course Outline
- Post-grad transcripts
The candidate will be notified of their approval by the 1st Monday of July and must pay the ₱20,000 QE fee within 1 week.
The Qualifying Examination will be scheduled within 2-8 weeks after notice of approval.
Candidates who request to withdraw from the Qualifying Examination with valid reason and have paid the examination fee must submit their request to withdraw from the examination in writing to the Board office no later than 48 hours prior to the exam date.
Candidates who withdraw from the Qualifying Examination with proper written notification may submit an application for the following year.
No monies will be refunded.
Candidates who fail to appear (“no show”) for a scheduled Qualifying Examination; or who fail to show for the Oral Examinations; arrive more than fifteen minutes after the scheduled exam start time and cannot be accommodated, cancel a test less than 48 hours prior to the scheduled test start time will void their application status and must restart the application process by a new completed application, attestation, and credential forms and the fees for the application and Qualifying Examination or (each of the) Oral Examinations, respectively, to the Board.
Candidate who request to withdraw from the Qualifying or each of Oral Examinations must submit their reason of withdrawal in writing to the Board. Candidates withdrawing with special circumstances, (i.e. illness, family death, national disaster) may submit written request to the Board that the Qualifying or Oral Examination re-application fee be waived. The decision will be at the sole discretion of the Board and candidates will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision.
Candidates who fail any of the examination and wish to retake the particular examination must pay the fee for that respective exam. The application fee will be waived.
Annual registration fee is required of all Diplomates January 1st of each year. The current annual registration fee is ₱2,000.

2023 Philippine Board of Periodontology Qualifying Examination Schedule

When: Part 1: July 26, 2023 (Wednesday)
Deadline for Application: June 5, 2023 (Monday)
Send the following requirements for application to philperio.org@gmail.com. Clear scanned images of the documents in JPEG or PDF format.
- CV with passport size photo
- License
- Diploma
- Course Outline
- Post-grad transcripts
- Application & Credentialing Form (Form A)
- Diplomate Examination Attestation (Form B)
- Deposit slip of payment of fees
Where: Metro Manila, to be announced later
Fees:
- Application Fee: ₱10,000 (To be paid by June 5, 2023)
- Qualifying Exam Fee: ₱20,000 (To be paid by July 10, 2023)
Oral Exam Fees (to follow)
Payments must be made to:
- Account Name: Philippine Society of Periodontology Inc.
- Bank: Bank of Commerce
- Savings Account No.: 075 20 0062990
An informal interview may be required at the discretion of the Board.

Application	Deadline for application- June 5, 2023 (Monday) Submit requirements to philperio.org@gmail.com and pay application fee of ₱10,000.
Notice of approval	Await notice of approval to take the Qualifying Examination from the PSP website July 3, 2023 (Monday)
Confirm Intention	Confirm intention to take the Qualifying Examination Within 1 week of notice, the candidate must pay the Qualifying Examination Fee of ₱20,000. To be paid by July 10, 2023 (Monday)
Qualifying Examination	Qualifying Examination is set on July 26, 2023 (Wednesday), 8:30AM-4PM, Venue to be announced (Metro Manila)
Continue to Oral Examinations	Candidates who passed the PBPerio Qualifying Exam must complete the PBPerio Oral Exams (Part 2 & 3) within 3 years from the year the Qualifying Exam was successfully completed, unless an extension was granted. Scheduling of the Oral Examinations (Part 2 and 3) will be at a mutually agreed time with the PBP and at their discretion.

QUALIFYING EXAM (Part 1 Written)

The Qualifying Examination (Part 1 Written) evaluates knowledge of the candidate relating to the science and practice of periodontology and implant dentistry. Subject areas include basic science, oral medicine/pathology, periodontal histology/pathology, epidemiology/statistics, and evidence-based clinical practice. This exam is composed of two sessions. The first portion is a multiple-choice examination of approximately 100 questions given in the morning. The second portion is a set of essay questions given in the afternoon. For the essay questions, candidates are expected to provide evidence-based answers and cite specific literature reference to support their answers.

PBPerio Qualifying Examination (Part 1 Written) Outline

Basic Science
1. Anatomy
  1. Gross surgical, micro, and ultrastructure anatomy
  2. Growth, development and pathology
2. Periodontal histology-pathology
  1. Periodontal structures
  2. Periodontal ultrastructure
  3. Pathogenesis
  4. Wound healing
3. Biochemistry-Physiology
  1. Biochemistry
    - Connective tissue
    - Hard tissue
    - Cell biology
    - Inflammation
  2. Physiology
    - Cardiovascular
    - Endocrine
    - Neural
    - Other
4. Immunology
  1. Anatomy of the Immune System
  2. Humoral and Complement
  3. Cell mediated
  4. Immune deficiency
5. Microbiology
  1. Biology of microorganisms
    - Bacteria
    - Viruses
  2. Pathogenic mechanisms
6. Pharmacology
  1. Antimicrobials
    - Systemic agents
    - Local agents
  2. Narcotics and analgesics
  3. Cardiovascular
  4. Emergency drugs
  5. Drug interactions
7. Molecular biology and genetics
Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine
1. Ulcers and vesicular-bullous lesions
2. Hypersensitivity reactions
3. Discolorations and pigmentation
4. Neoplasms
  1. Malignant
  2. Non-malignant
5. Infections
6. Syndromes
7. Endocrine
8. Oral manifestation of systemic disease
9. Laboratory tests
Periodontal Health, Histology, and Pathology
1. Periodontal health, gingival diseases and conditions
  1. Periodontal health and gingival health
  2. Non-dental biofilm-induced gingivitis
  3. Dental biofilm-induced gingivitis
2. Periodontitis
  1. Necrotizing periodontal disease
  2. Periodontitis
  3. Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease
3. Periodontal Manifestations of Systemic Diseases and Developmental and Acquired Conditions
  1. Systemic diseases or conditions affecting periodontal supporting tissues
  2. Periodontal abscesses and endodontic-periodontal lesions
  3. Mucogingival Deformities and Conditions
  4. Traumatic Occlusal Forces
  5. Tooth- and Prosthesis-Related Factors
Peri-implant diseases and conditions
1. Peri-implant health
2. Peri-implant mucositis
3. Peri-implantitis
4. Peri-implant soft and hard tissue deficiencies
Epidemiology and Statistics
Systemic Implications
1. Cardiovascular
2. Pregnancy
3. Respiratory
4. Diabetes
5. Other
  1. Diet/Nutrition
  2. Aging
  3. Stress
  4. Osteoporosis
Clinical
1. Diagnosis
  1. Medical and dental history
  2. Clinical findings/interpretation
  3. Diagnostic techniques
    - Probing
    - Radiology/Imaging
    - Crevicular fluid
    - Disease activity
    - Microbiological findings
    - Pulpal-periodontal pathology
2. Etiology
  1. Biofilm
  2. Local factors
  3. Occlusion
  4. Iatrogenic factors
  5. Tobacco products
3. Prognosis
4. Treatment Planning
  1. Periodontal-restorative considerations
  2. Sequence of treatment
5. Therapy
  1. Plaque control, behavioral modification, devices
  2. Pharmacotherapeutics
  3. Non-surgical
    - Root planing
    - Systemic/local adjuncts
  4. Occlusal therapy
  5. Periodontal-Orthodontic therapy
  6. Surgical therapy
    - Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty
    - Gingival attachment procedures
    - Regeneration or replacement of periodontal supporting structures (GTR)
    - Osseous resection
      1. Treating disease
      2. Functional and esthetic crown lengthening
    - Mucogingival procedures and flap management
    - Tooth/Root resection and furcation management
    - Periodontal Plastic Surgery and vestibuloplasty
  7. Guided bone regeneration (GBR)
    - Alveolar ridge augmentation
    - Sinus augmentation
    - Ridge preservation
  8. Dental Implants and immediate provisionalization
    - Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of peri-implant diseases and conditions
  9. Periodontal and implant maintenance

Suggested References

This list is to serve as a guide for the preparation of the Qualifying and Oral Examinations and is a suggested list of materials and NOT AN EXCLUSIVE LIST.

Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. Jan Lindhe, Niklaus P. Lang, and Thorkild Karring
Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology. Michael Newman Henry Takei Perry Klokkevold Fermin Carranza.
American Academy of Periodontology Position Papers, Workshop Proceedings, and Best Evidence Papers
Reports from European Workshop of Periodontology
International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry
Journal of Periodontology
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
Journal of the American Dental Association
Journal of Periodontal Research
Journal of Dental Research
Journal of Oral Microbiology and Immunology
Clinical Oral Implants Research
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants
Proceedings of the World Workshop in Clinical Periodontics