All orthodontists must be licensed to practice; at this time, only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued to complete Board Certification. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process represents a unique achievement—a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist. The process requires each orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with very detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that not all orthodontists choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, skills, and judgment. Successful completion of this examination process demonstrates the orthodontist’s utmost 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 techniques to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of achievement. Learn more about Board Certification.