American Board of Orthodontics doctor certification
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), founded in 1929, is the oldest and most prestigious specialty board in dentistry. The ABO’s aim is to elevate the standards of the practice of orthodontia, to familiarize the public with its aim and ideals, and to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners.
The Board upholds four main objectives supported by its mission:
- To evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates.
- To re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate's career.
- To support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics.
- To promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world.
Becoming board certified
In order to become board certified, an orthodontist must have passed a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations as well as a comprehensive review of their credentials. The initial process of becoming board certified can take anywhere from five to ten years. Once certified, the orthodontist must become recertified every ten years in order to maintain board-certified status.
What does it mean to be board certified?
A board-certified orthodontist, also known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, has undergone a voluntary exam by his or her peers with regard to knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.
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