Orthodontists

Certification or Licensing

Board certification is available through the American Board of Orthodontists (ABO). To achieve ABO diplomate status, orthodontists must file an application with the ABO, be interviewed and approved as a candidate, pass written and oral examinations, and provide written orthodontic case histories. It may take eight to 10 years to gain ABO diplomate status.

Before new dentists are allowed to practice, they must first pass a licensing examination in the state in which they are planning to practice. This test may include working on a patient. In some states, orthodontists must also pass a specialty licensing examination. In order to maintain their licenses, orthodontists, like all dentists, must take continuing education courses.