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Definitions of Titles

Use of Specialty Titles

The AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics state: It is unethical for veterinarians to identify themselves as or in any way imply that they are members of an AVMA-recognized specialty organization until such time as such certification has been awarded. AVDC® has adopted the Guidelines for Use of Specialty Titles, prepared by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 

By signing the AVDC® Training Program Registration form, an individual submitting an application for registration of a training program acknowledges that  s/he may not use the terms ‘board eligible’, ‘board qualified’, ‘veterinary dental specialist’ or ‘veterinary dentist’, and may not make or imply any connection with AVDC® until such time as the individual passes the AVDC® examination and is awarded the AVDC® Diploma. 

The registration of an AVDC® training program of an individual who is not in compliance with the policy stated above may be terminated by AVDC®, in which case the individual will not be permitted to complete the AVDC® credentials and/or the examination procedures, and, when appropriate, the circumstances may be reported by AVDC® to the individual’s State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. 

Applicant, Resident, Candidate and Supervisor Definitions

Resident

A veterinarian registed in an AVDC® training program is referred to as a Resident. Residents in a pre-2014 Alternate Pathway program are required to refer to themselves as Alternate Pathway Residents. Veterinarians in a training program with a registered start date of January 1st, 2014 or later are referred to as Full-time or Part-time residents.

Applicant

An Applicant is a veterinarian who is applying for registration of a training program with AVDC®, or is a veterinarian who has completed the required training program and is applying for credentials review.

Candidate

A veterinarian who has completed an AVDC®-approved training program and whose credentials have been approved is known as a Candidate.

Supervisor

Every resident has a Supervisor, who is an AVDC® diplomate who has agreed to supervise the training program of a particular resident.

English is the official language of AVDC®. All documents, forms and examinations provided by AVDC® are written in English, and all materials submitted by applicants and residents are to be written in English.

Use of Specialty Titles: The AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics state: It is unethical for veterinarians to identify themselves as or in any way imply that they are members of an AVMA recognized specialty organization until such time as such certification has been awarded. AVDC® has adopted the Guidelines for Use of Specialty Titles, prepared by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

By signing the AVDC® Training Program Registration form, an individual submitting an application for registration of a training program acknowledges that s/he may not use the terms ‘board eligible’, ‘board qualified’, ‘veterinary dental specialist’ or ‘veterinary dentist’, and may not make or imply any connection with AVDC® until such time as the individual passes the AVDC® examination and is awarded the AVDC® Diploma.

The registration of an AVDC® training program of an individual who is not in compliance with the policy stated above may be terminated by AVDC®, in which case the individual will not be permitted to complete the AVDC® credentials and/or the examination procedures, and, when appropriate, the circumstances may be reported by AVDC® to the individual’s State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.