Are all orthodontists board certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, however, board certification is a voluntary achievement that not all orthodontists choose to pursue.
In order to become board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), an individual orthodontist is thoroughly tested by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills and judgement.
The most fair, reliable and valid testing methodology is utilized to test clinical proficiency in an objective manner. The ABO certification process signifies a unique achievement- a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics.
How many certifying boards are recognized by the American Dental Association in the specialty of orthodontics?
One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the ONLY certifying board in the specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ABO was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The board’s purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education and professional collaboration.
Why would an orthodontist choose to complete this voluntary certification process?
Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontist’s personal commitment to excellence in orthodontics- to both the orthodontic profession and the general public.
It exemplifies a practitioner’s commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care, and to continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.
The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating a continued level of excellence in patient care.
