What Is Orthodontist Board Certification?
At Dr. Zoey Orthodontics in Vero Beach, FL, Dr. Zoey Gutierrez-Nickel is proud to be a board-certified orthodontist, demonstrating a higher level of commitment to patient care and clinical excellence.
Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) represents an achievement beyond the required education for orthodontists. It reflects advanced knowledge, proven clinical skills, and a dedication to delivering the highest standard of care.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. While all orthodontists must be licensed to practice, only about 1 in 3 orthodontists pursue board certification.
Board certification is voluntary, meaning not every orthodontist chooses to complete this additional process. Those who do must go beyond standard training and demonstrate real-world excellence in treating patients.
To become board-certified, an orthodontist must:
- Submit detailed case reports across a wide range of treatments
- Demonstrate clinical skill and judgment
- Be evaluated by a panel of highly respected examiners
How Many Certifying Boards Exist in Orthodontics?
There is only one certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) in orthodontics:
- The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
Founded in 1929, the ABO is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. Its mission is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care through certification, education, and professional excellence.
Why Do Orthodontists Choose Board Certification?
Board certification reflects a strong personal and professional commitment to excellence.
Orthodontists who complete this process are demonstrating that they:
- Strive to deliver the highest standard of patient care
- Stay current with the latest advancements in orthodontics
- Are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement
- Hold themselves to a higher level of accountability
For many orthodontists, it represents one of the highest achievements in their specialty.
What Is Required to Become Board Certified?
The ABO certification process is rigorous and continues to evolve with the field of orthodontics.
To achieve certification, an orthodontist must complete:
1. Written Examination
- A comprehensive 240-question exam
- Covers all areas of orthodontic knowledge
2. Clinical Examination
- Submission of detailed patient case reports
- Demonstrates real treatment outcomes and clinical excellence
3. Oral Examination
- Discussion of clinical cases with expert examiners
- Evaluation of decision-making, knowledge, and judgment
Only after successfully completing all phases does an orthodontist earn board certification.
For further information about the American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.
