About Board Certification in Orthodontics
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
Choosing the right board-certified orthodontist is an important decision for parents, teens, and adults seeking orthodontic treatment. And while every orthodontist must hold a valid state license to practice, not all orthodontists pursue Board Certification. In fact, only about half take the extra step to earn this distinction through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).
Board Certification represents a voluntary, rigorous achievement that goes beyond completing an orthodontic residency. It signals that the orthodontist has demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment, advanced treatment skills, and a commitment to delivering the highest quality of care for children, adolescents, and adults.
How Many Certifying Boards are Recognized by the American Dental Association in Orthodontics?
Parents and patients are often surprised to learn that there is only one certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) for orthodontics: the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).
Founded in 1929, the ABO is not only the oldest dental specialty board but also the gold standard for orthodontic assessment and clinical excellence. Its mission is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care by encouraging lifelong learning, promoting continuing education, and advancing the specialty through peer-reviewed certification.
Because it is the only ADA-recognized board, ABO Certification carries significant weight, both within the profession and among patients searching for the most qualified orthodontic provider.
Why Do Orthodontists Choose to Become Board-Certified?
When an orthodontist decides to pursue Board Certification, they’re choosing to demonstrate a higher level of dedication to their craft and their patients.
Certification represents:
- Commitment to excellence in clinical performance
- Advanced knowledge of current orthodontic techniques and research
- Accountability to nationally recognized standards of care
- Dedication to continuous improvement throughout their career
A board-certified orthodontist signals trustworthy expertise, especially for complex cases involving teenagers, adolescents, or adult orthodontic care.
Orthodontists who achieve ABO Certification show both their peers and the public that they are committed to consistently delivering exceptional outcomes, and that they’re willing to be evaluated by some of the most respected experts in the field.
What Does the ABO Certification Process Involve?
The ABO Certification process has evolved for nearly a century, adapting to advances in orthodontic science, digital technology, and patient care. Today’s process includes three major components, each designed to assess real-world clinical competence and decision-making.
Written Examination
Candidates must pass a 240-question comprehensive exam that evaluates their understanding of essential orthodontic concepts, treatment planning, growth and development, biomechanics, and contemporary research.
This exam ensures the orthodontist possesses deep foundational knowledge before moving on to clinical evaluation.
Clinical Examination
After passing the written exam, orthodontists submit a series of detailed case reports from actual treatments completed during residency or private practice. These cases span various complexities and age groups, including children, teens, and adults, demonstrating the orthodontist’s ability to deliver high-quality results across a wide range of scenarios.
Examiners evaluate:
- Treatment goals and planning
- Clinical decisions and problem-solving
- Final treatment outcomes
- Documentation quality and clarity
Oral Examination
Finally, the orthodontist completes an oral exam conducted by expert examiners. During this session, candidates must answer academic and clinical questions that test their reasoning, diagnostic ability, and real-time knowledge application.
Certification Renewal
Achieving certification is an impressive achievement, but maintaining it matters just as much. ABO Certification is valid for a limited time, requiring renewal every 10 years. Orthodontists must demonstrate ongoing excellence, ensuring they remain current with advances in orthodontics and continue delivering superior patient care.
To explore more about the American Board of Orthodontics and what Board Certification means for your family’s orthodontic experience, learn more by clicking here.
