ABO Certification

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry.

The primary purpose of The American Board of Orthodontics is to elevate the level of orthodontic care for the public by encouraging excellence in clinical practice and specialty education. The Board has four objectives:

• Evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates.
• Re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate's career.
• Support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate and continuing education programs in orthodontics.
• Promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world.

To become board certified, an orthodontist is voluntarily examined by his peers. Board certification demonstrates to the general public the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics. Recertification is required every 10 years.