About Board Certification in Orthodontics
When choosing an orthodontist, understanding board certification can help you feel confident in the level of care you and your family will receive. While all orthodontists are licensed to practice, board-certified orthodontists have voluntarily gone above and beyond to demonstrate excellence in patient care, knowledge, and clinical skills. Dr. Cecilia Deller is the only Board-Certified orthodontist serving patients in Rockland, MA, bringing the highest level of expertise and personalized care to the community.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
Not all orthodontists pursue board certification. While every orthodontist completes the necessary advanced education to specialize in orthodontics, less than half of all orthodontists achieve ABO certification.
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification is a voluntary distinction that:
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical expertise beyond standard licensing requirements
- Confirms proven success in treating a wide variety of patient cases
- Involves rigorous evaluation by a panel of highly respected examiners
Board certification represents a commitment to delivering the highest quality orthodontic care for patients of all ages.
How Many Boards Are Recognized by the ADA?
The American Board of Orthodontics is the only orthodontic board recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
- 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 collaboration
- ABO certification promotes excellence and ensures patients receive care from highly skilled professionals
Why Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist ensures you are working with a practitioner dedicated to lifelong learning and superior patient care. Certification demonstrates:
- Commitment to excellence: Board-certified orthodontists maintain advanced knowledge in orthodontics and patient care
- Up-to-date care: Continuous learning ensures the latest techniques and technologies are applied
- Dedication to the profession: Certification is a voluntary achievement showcasing a practitioner’s personal and professional dedication
For families seeking the best possible outcomes, a board-certified orthodontist offers confidence that your treatment will meet the highest standards.
Steps to Achieve ABO Certification
The ABO certification process is thorough and challenging, requiring orthodontists to demonstrate expertise across multiple areas:
- Written Examination – 240 questions covering all aspects of orthodontic knowledge
- Clinical Examination – Submission of detailed case reports demonstrating successful treatment outcomes across diverse patient scenarios
- Oral Examination – Panel interview testing clinical judgment, problem-solving, and orthodontic knowledge
- Certification Renewal – Every 10 years, orthodontists must maintain their certification by showing continued excellence in patient care
Successful completion of this process ensures that a board-certified orthodontist maintains the highest level of professional competency throughout their career. To learn more about the American Board of Orthodontics, click here.
