What Does It Mean to Be a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
Not necessarily. While every orthodontist must be licensed to practice, not all go the extra mile to achieve board certification. In fact, fewer than half of all orthodontists are board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the only recognized certifying body in the field.
So, what makes this certification so important? Board certification is a voluntary but significant milestone. It goes far beyond dental school and the required orthodontic residency. To earn it, orthodontists must present real-life case reports showcasing their clinical expertise across a wide range of patient issues. They’re also evaluated in person by a panel of seasoned examiners, testing their knowledge, judgment, and hands-on skills in patient care.
What Is the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)?
How many orthodontic certifying boards are ADA-recognized?
Just one. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only board recognized by the American Dental Association for the specialty of orthodontics.
Founded in 1929, the ABO is not only the oldest specialty board in dentistry, but it’s also the most respected. Its mission is to promote high standards in orthodontic care through certification, lifelong learning, and professional excellence.
Why Do Orthodontists Pursue Board Certification?
What motivates orthodontists to take on this extra challenge?
Completing the board certification process shows an orthodontist’s deep commitment to clinical excellence—for their profession, and for their patients.
Here’s what it says about them:
They’re dedicated to delivering the highest standard of orthodontic care.
They stay up to date with the latest treatment advances.
They’re willing to go above and beyond to earn your trust.
Board certification isn’t just a title, it’s a clear sign of dedication and expertise.
What Does the ABO Certification Process Involve?
Earning the title of “board-certified orthodontist” is no small feat. The ABO certification process has evolved to meet the growing demands of the field and now includes several rigorous steps:
The Certification Journey:
Written Examination
A comprehensive 240-question test covering every facet of orthodontic knowledge.
Success here is the first step toward proving clinical mastery.
Clinical Examination
Orthodontists must submit detailed case studies from their practice or residency.
These cases are reviewed for treatment quality and complexity.
Oral Examination
Applicants discuss their case reports with a panel and answer questions on both academic and clinical topics.
This step evaluates their critical thinking and judgment.
Certification Renewal
Certification isn’t permanent—orthodontists must renew every 10 years.
This ensures they maintain their commitment to ongoing excellence and stay current with cutting-edge treatment methods.
To learn more about the American Board of Orthodontics, click here.
