Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but not all choose to become board-certified.
Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is a voluntary achievement that goes beyond the two to three years of advanced education required to become an orthodontic specialist. It requires orthodontists to demonstrate real patient outcomes through detailed case reports that cover a wide range of orthodontic treatments.
To become board-certified, orthodontists must also complete a rigorous examination process and be evaluated by a panel of experts who assess their clinical skills, knowledge, and judgment.
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 orthodontics recognized by the American Dental Association.
Founded in 1929, the ABO is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. Its purpose is to promote excellence in orthodontic care through certification, education, and professional collaboration.
Why Would an Orthodontist Choose to Complete This Voluntary Certification Process?
Board certification demonstrates a strong commitment to excellence in orthodontics and patient care.
It shows that the orthodontist has the knowledge and clinical ability to treat patients to a high standard and is dedicated to staying current with the latest advancements in the field. For many orthodontists, it also reflects a personal commitment to achieving the highest level of professional accomplishment.
What Steps Are Required to Complete the ABO Certification Process?
The certification process includes several steps designed to evaluate both knowledge and clinical skill.
- Written Examination: Covers all areas of orthodontic knowledge
- Clinical Examination: Involves presenting detailed patient cases that demonstrate successful treatment outcomes
- Oral Examination: Includes discussion of clinical decisions and treatment approaches with a panel of examiners
After successfully completing these steps, the orthodontist achieves board certification for a limited time.
To maintain certification, orthodontists must renew it every 10 years by demonstrating continued excellence in patient care and staying up to date with advancements in orthodontics.
