Orthodontic Services Serving The Capital Region

ABO Certification

Having achieved the highest honors and receiving board certification, our team of doctors is ready to give you the smile that you deserve.

Are all orthodontists board-certified?

No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but only 1 in 3 orthodontists have received certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This certification 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 measurable accomplishments in patient care, with detailed case reports on the treatments provided for a broad range of patient problems. In order to become certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment.

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 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 stay abreast of the latest advances in patient care and to deliver them 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 information in which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this board exam allows the orthodontist to proceed to the clinical examination, where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After the successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved board certification for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must go through certification renewal every 10 years to maintain his/her certification status by demonstrating a continued level of outstanding patient care.