ABO BOARD CERTIFICATION
Achieving board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics signifies our orthodontists' highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics. Being a board certified orthodontist is a prestigious designation that is achieved by less than half of all practicing orthodontists.
.png)
.jpg)
About BOARD CERTIFICATION
Board certified orthodontists have committed themselves to you and your orthodontic treatment to provide the highest level of care. In addition to dental school and an accredited orthodontic program, they have successfully completed a rigorous exam process.
The ABO board certification is a voluntary credential, which means any orthodontist has taken extra steps to achieve this designation. Board certification is evidence that an orthodontist is committed to lifelong learning and providing the highest level of orthodontic care.
The path to ABO board certification must occur over three stages:
- Dentist: Complete an undergraduate program, graduate from dental school (3-4 years), and pass licensing examinations.
- Orthodontist: Complete an accredited orthodontic residency program (2-3 years).
- Board Certified Orthodontist: Complete ABO rigorous written examination and clinical examination. Certification renewal occurs every 10 years.
The American Board of Orthodontics is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontists.
Are all orthodontists Board Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, however board certification is a voluntary achievement that all orthodontists do not 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 judgment. 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. 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 highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics – to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. It represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that he/she has the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients to the highest of standards. 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.
What steps are required to complete the ABO certification process?
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of orthodontics and dental facial orthopedics which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this board examination allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Scenario-based Oral Clinical Examination where they are objectively evaluated on their knowledge, abilities and critical thinking skills based on proficiency and clinical excellence in four core performance areas/domains. Both examinations take significant preparation and time. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a limited time period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.