About Board Certification

What Is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist? (Peoria, AZ)

A board-certified pediatric dentist has voluntarily met the highest standards of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) - rigorous written and clinical exams beyond the years of specialty training. Only about one in three pediatric dentists earns it. At Kidz-R-Kool in Peoria, AZ, all three of our dentists are board-certified.

When you’re choosing a dentist for your child, credentials matter - and “board-certified” is one of the most meaningful you’ll find. At Kidz-R-Kool Pediatric Dentistry in Peoria, AZ, every one of our dentists - Dr. Morghan Teeters, Dr. Fatima Pimentel, and Dr. Anna Green - is a board-certified pediatric dentist. Here’s what that means, why so few dentists achieve it, and why it’s worth looking for when you choose your child’s dental home.

What Board Certification Means

Board certification is a voluntary achievement that goes far beyond the license and specialty training every pediatric dentist must complete. A dentist who earns it becomes a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry - a formal recognition that they’ve demonstrated exceptional knowledge, clinical skill, and judgment in caring for children. It’s a public statement of a dentist’s commitment to excellence, to the profession, and to your family.

Only 1 in 3 Pediatric Dentists Earn It

Every pediatric dentist must be licensed to practice, but at this time only about one in three pediatric dentists goes on to become board-certified. Certification signifies a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required to become a pediatric specialist in the first place. Because it’s optional, choosing to pursue it says a lot about a dentist’s dedication to their patients.

The ABPD Is the Only Recognized Board

There is exactly one certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association in the pediatric specialty: the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). Its mission is to elevate the quality of dental care for children through certification, education, and professional collaboration.

The Certification Process

Earning ABPD certification is demanding by design:

1. Written Examination - a comprehensive 240-question exam covering every area a pediatric dentist should master.
2. Clinical Examination - the dentist presents detailed case reports from real practice, demonstrating a history of excellent patient care.
3. Oral Examination - a respected panel of examiners tests the dentist’s knowledge, clinical skill, and judgment across a wide range of academic and clinical topics.

Certification isn’t permanent, either. Pediatric dentists must complete renewal every 10 years, continually proving they’ve kept pace with the latest advances in children’s dental care.

Why It Matters for Your Child

Board certification means your child is cared for by a dentist held to the highest standards in the specialty - someone who has proven, not just claimed, their expertise, and who is committed to staying current with the best, safest, most evidence-based care. With all three of our dentists board-certified, you can feel confident that your child is in exceptionally capable, caring hands. Meet our doctors.