New Port Richey Pediatric Dentist Dr. Pettinato Receives Board Certification

February 23, 2009 – NEW PORT RICHEY, FLORIDA – New Port Richey Pediatric Dentist Dr. Frank Pettinato II recently received his certification in pediatric dentistry through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Pettinato is just the second New Port Richey pediatric dentist to earn the certification, also referred to as a Diplomate of the ABPD. He went through the process in late 2008.

The ABPD Diplomate process is based on guidelines and standards that encourage and promote a high quality of care for children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists who want to obtain the certification first must pass a comprehensive written exam.

The qualifying examination is the first of two required tests to achieve Diplomate status in the ABPD, Pettinato said. The test is designed to provide evidence of the dentist's advanced training in pediatric dentistry.

Candidates must pass this exam before they are eligible to register for the clinical section of the certification process.

The second part of the process is the oral clinical examination, which is designed to allow the dentist to demonstrate proficiency in diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical care, according to the ABPD Web site (http://abpd.org/).

Once both examination sections are successfully completed, the dentist is awarded a 10-year, time-limited certificate. The ABPD currently doesn't require any continuing education in addition to what already is required of dentists in the states in which they practice, said Dr. Arthur J. Nowak, executive director of the ABPD. However, that will change in early 2010.

"In another year, we will launch a series of activities dentists must do to assure the public that they continue to keep up with the science of pediatric dentistry," Nowak said.

Pettinato, who opened his pediatric dentistry in New Port Richey practice nearly two years ago, graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2001. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia in 2003 with a certificate of specialty training in pediatric dentistry and a master's degree in pediatric dentistry.

Learn More
If you would like to learn more about Dr. Pettinato's pediatric dentistry practice, New Port Richey dental crowns, please visit his Web site: www.mychildsdentist.com. To schedule a consultation, please call (727) 834-8585. Dr. Pettinato's office is located at 4427 Rowan Rd. in New Port Richey.

About Dr. Frank Pettinato II
Dr. Frank Pettinato II received his Bachelors of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He then attended the renowned Medical College of Virginia where he was the first dentist ever to simultaneously earn both his Certificate of Specialty Training in Pediatric Dentistry and Masters of Science Degrees.

Dr. Pettinato has memberships in the following organizations: America Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental Association, West-Pasco Dental Society, Hillsborough Dental Society, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Society of Dentistry for Children, American Orthodontic Society and the Tampa Bay Pediatric Dental Study Club.

Dr. Pettinato has been elected to serve as the Pasco County Dental Resource Officer.

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