What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an American Dental Association accredited graduate program in the specialty of orthodontics. A dentist who graduates from a specialty program becomes an orthodontic specialist who is eligible to become board certified through the voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.
The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Certification is now awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board certified status.
Orthodontic specialists who are current Diplomates of The American Board of Orthodontics can be found at Find an ABO Diplomate.
The Purpose of the American Board of Orthodontics?
The primary purpose of The American Board of Orthodontics is to elevate the level of orthodontic care for the public by encouraging excellence in clinical practice and specialty education. In its mission statement, the Board clearly defines four objectives: 1) to evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates; 2) to re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate's career; 3) to support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate and continuing education programs in orthodontics; and 4) to promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world.