Did You Know Dr. McClure is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
- Board certification is a voluntary credential that represents an orthodontist’s personal and public commitment to the highest standards in their specialty.
- Not all orthodontists are board certified! In fact, only 1 in 3 orthodontists carry this distinction.
- Orthodontic board certification requires 4 years of dental school, 2-3 years of specialty training, and completion of an additional two-part written and clinical examination. This examination is what distinguishes a board certified orthodontist from the rest.
- Board Certification is confirmation of an orthodontist’s dedication to providing lifelong quality patient care. It is important to recognize this distinction and find the right board certified orthodontist for YOU!
Why would an orthodontist choose to complete this voluntary certification process?
Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontist’s highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics – to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. 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. It 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.
What steps are required to complete the ABO certification process?
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this “board exam” allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Clinical Examination where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.
For further information about The American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.