ABO Certification

American Board of Orthodontics Doctor Certification

The American Board of Orthodontics, founded in 1929, is the oldest and most prestigious specialty board in the field of dentistry. The ABO’s goal is to continue to strive for the highest standards of practice of orthodontia, educate the public on these standards, and protect the public against irresponsible and/or unqualified practitioners.

The board has four main objectives that are also supported by its mission:

• Evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and granting time-limited certificates
• Provide continuous re-evaluation of clinical knowledge and skills through the administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate’s career
• Encourage the development of quality graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics
• Promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world

Becoming Board Certified

To gain board certification, an orthodontist goes through a rigorous testing process that includes written and clinical examinations, and a comprehensive review of their credentials. The process to become board certified for the first time will take a minimum of five years but can last up to ten years. Once an orthodontist is certified, they must seek recertification every ten years to main their board-certified status.

What does it mean to be board certified?

Becoming a board-certified orthodontist is a prestigious seal of quality and experience because it means the orthodontist has voluntarily been examined by their peers on knowledge and clinical skills. A board-certified orthodontist, also known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, has proven their commitment to a life of continued proficiency and excellence in the practice of orthodontics.