Board Certified Orthodontists
The certification process by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) signifies a unique achievement and is a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. The process of becoming Board Certified requires the orthodontist to demonstrate actual patient care accomplishments with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time, only around 1 in 3 orthodontists have completed the process to become Board Certified. To become board 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.
Successfully completing the examination process demonstrates the orthodontist’s highest commitment to excellence in their field. 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 and exemplifies a practitioner’s commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care and to 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.
Board Certified Pediatric Dentists
Board certification is also important to consider when choosing a pediatric dentist for your child(ren), as not all dentists have this certification. A pediatric dentist that is board certified has gone through a rigorous examination process with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). The ABPD is the only certifying board in the specialty of pediatric dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association. Board certification tests the knowledge and problem-solving abilities of a pediatric dentist.
The ABPD certifies pediatric dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high-quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary 2-part examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the delivery of quality patient care. Board certification demonstrates:
- A pediatric dentist has the required specialized knowledge and skills to earn board certification.
- A pediatric dentist has a commitment to continuous competency and lifelong learning.
- A pediatric dentist has the dedication to providing quality patient care.
- An additional credential that may be required for hospital privileges.
