Are all orthodontists Board Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time, only about half of all orthodontists have continued to become board-certified. The American Board of Orthodontics (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.
The process requires the orthodontist to demonstrate their clinical knowledge and excellence in diagnosis and treatment planning for a broad range of complex orthodontic problems through rigorous examination. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that not all orthodontists pursue.
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 board certification demonstrates the highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics – to both the profession and the general public. It represents that the orthodontist has the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients with the highest standards, and it exemplifies the practitioner’s dedication to continued education and staying up to date with the latest advances in the field. Many orthodontists see board certification as the highest level of personal achievement in the profession.
What steps are required to complete the ABO certification process?
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification requirements and process has continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty.
Today, the process starts with a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this written “board exam” allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Clinical Examination, which evaluates knowledge and experience in the delivery of patient care. In this clinical portion of the exam, the orthodontist must display proficiency in the diagnosis and treatment planning of various complex cases and support their decisions with evidence from peer-reviewed journals and scientific literature.
After successfully completing these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must undergo Certification Renewal every 10 years to demonstrate continued excellence in the profession and maintain their status.
For more information about The American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.
