A Board Certified Orthodontist is an orthodontist, who after completing his/her training, has passed a voluntary examination process given by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). The examination process involves a comprehensive written examination covering all aspects of orthodontics. The orthodontist must pass the written exam to move on to the final examination phase. In the final examination phase, the orthodontist must present a number of his/her completed cases, displaying his/her ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of orthodontic problems. Each case is reviewed by expert examiners of the Board. Then during the Clinical Examination, the orthodontist reviews the cases with the examiners and answers any questions they have.

Orthodontists that pass the Clinical Examination are given the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics which is the equivalent to being a Board Certified Orthodontist. This certification is a demonstration of the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics and is not a professional degree nor a license to practice orthodontics. It is important to note that the American Board of Orthodontics is the only certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). If a doctor says he/she is Board Certified, verify that he/she is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, and not another board not recognized by the ADA.