The American Board of Orthodontics was created in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. It was created to elevate the standards of practice in orthodontics, as well as to help familiarize the general public with the aims and ideals of the field, and protect the public against unqualified practitioners. The ABO is sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists and is the only specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association.
ABO history
the American Association of Orthodontists
- 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.
Orthodontics Explained: How an ortho becomes board-certified?
Board certification shows patients that an orthodontist is committed to the highest level of patient care that includes a comprehensive approach to treatment.
All dentists and orthodontists begin in the same place after completing their undergraduate degrees. After passing the dental acceptance exams, they go on to dental school, and once graduated, will take state and national licensing exams. Once passed, a dentist may begin practicing right away.
A dentist who wants to be an orthodontist must complete additional steps before being named an orthodontist. He or she must be accepted into an accredited orthodontic program and complete a residency, which can take three years. Once completed, the dentist becomes an orthodontist.
About 25% -33% of orthodontists go one step further by becoming accredited by the American Board of Orthodontists. The accreditation process is voluntary, but requires hundreds of hours of dedication by the orthodontist to prove his or her dedication to providing the very best in orthodontic care.