ABO Certified

American Board of Orthodontics

Are all orthodontists board certified?

If you assumed all orthodontists are board-certified, you are not alone. But the truth is less than half of orthodontists have taken this voluntary step to achieve board certification.* Your orthodontist has taken this extra step to show their commitment to the lifelong learning process of board certification. *Based on 2017 data.

What it means to be board certified.

It means setting a higher standard for orthodontic care. Board-certified orthodontists have committed themselves to you and your orthodontic treatment to provide the highest level of care. In addition to dental school and an accredited orthodontic program, they have successfully completed a voluntary, rigorous examination process through The American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontists.

Why would an orthodontist choose to complete this voluntary certification process?

Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontist’s highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. It represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that they have the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients to the highest of standards. It exemplifies a practitioner’s commitment to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care and continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.

Why choose a board-certified orthodontist?

Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth. Orthodontists understand the complexity of growth and development as well as facial form. Treatment plans include issues related to the jaw and bite, not just the movement of teeth. There’s a reason orthodontists spend additional years in a highly competitive orthodontic program - to learn and perfect their ability in the specialty. A general dentist is ideal for providing regular oral health check-ups, comparable to your family doctor. Many dentists offer orthodontic treatment, but they do not have the same extensive education required of an orthodontist. A board-certified orthodontist is committed to the highest level of patient care, including a comprehensive treatment approach to ensure quality work. Board-certified orthodontists must also renew their certification every ten years to demonstrate their continuous commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.

Learn More About the ABO

Founded in 1929 as the first specialty board in dentistry, The American Board of Orthodontics is sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists and is recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards as the national certifying board for Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

The ABO sets the standard for the highest level of patient care and promotes excellence in orthodontics for all of its certified orthodontists. As a specialty board, we serve to protect the orthodontic specialty and encourage orthodontists to achieve certification, demonstrating their commitment to lifelong learning and excellent care.

As advocates for the orthodontic specialty, The American Board of Orthodontics is a resource for orthodontists, orthodontic residents, as well as anyone looking for the best in orthodontic care.

FIND OUT MORE