AAOP Qualified Clinician Policy
Requirements to Become an AAOP Qualified Clinician
Any active member of the AAOP will be eligible to apply to be an AAOP Qualified Clinician by fulfilling the following 5 requirements.
a) Documentation of completion of 100 hours of CE provided by the AAOP. At least 50 hours must be in person.
b) Education requirements will need to have been met within the last 5 years.
a) Applicants must provide evidence of at least 3 years of active membership in the AAOP.
b) Applicants shall have attended at least 3 AAOP meeting in the last 5 years.
a. Applicants shall submit a professional portfolio as part of the application process.
b. The portfolio shall include, at a minimum:
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- i. Documentation of representative of 3 clinical cases;
- ii. Treatment planning rationale; and
- iii. A reflective statement demonstrating integration of AAOP principles. Cases shall be representative of various categories of orofacial pain – to include at least one TMD case and one non-TMD orofacial pain case.
c. Portfolios that are incomplete or fail to demonstrate competency shall not be accepted.
a. Applicants shall submit no fewer than two (2) letters of recommendation.
b. At least one (1) letter shall be provided by an AAOP Fellow who can attest to the applicant’s competency and adherence to AAOP standards. The letter shall include examples of mentorship between the applicant and the Fellow.
c. Applications lacking the required endorsements shall not be considered complete.
a. All applicants shall be subject to verification and interview by the AAOP Membership Committee.
b. The purpose of the interview shall be to assess knowledge, professionalism, and demonstrated commitment to AAOP standards.
c. Applicants who do not meet expectations may be directed to complete additional continuing education prior to reapplication.
d. A list of applicants that have been interviewed and verified by the membership committee shall be submitted to the Council for final review and approval.
e. Final approval or denial shall be at the sole discretion of the Council.
Determination of Qualified Clinician
a. Shall be granted to applicants who satisfy all criteria.
b. Deferred application shall apply when deficiencies are identified, and the applicant may reapply upon correction of such deficiencies.
Requirements to Maintain Qualified Clinician Status
In order to maintain recognition status, member must:
a. Maintain active membership in the AAOP.
b. Provide evidence of 50 hours of orofacial pain related CE every 5 years. Current list of approved CE providers will be available on the AAOP website.
c. Continuing education obtained through organizations not aligned with AAOP values shall not be accepted.
d. Providers who fail to maintain active membership in the AAOP will lose their Qualified Clinician award and will have to reapply at such time that they decide to renew their AAOP membership.