What Does It Mean to Be a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
When choosing an orthodontist, you may notice that some are listed as board-certified while others are not. But what does that really mean for you and your family? Becoming board-certified through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is more than just an extra credential; it’s proof of Drs. Piyush and Kiran Heda’s commitment to providing the very best care.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. Every orthodontist must be licensed to practice, but not all go on to earn board certification. In fact, less than half of orthodontists choose to take this additional step. Why? Because the ABO certification process requires orthodontists to go above and beyond their advanced specialty training.
To achieve this milestone, orthodontists must:
Submit detailed case reports covering a wide range of orthodontic problems
Demonstrate real results in patient care—not just academic knowledge
Sit for an in-depth interview and oral exam with a panel of respected experts
Board certification is voluntary, but it reflects an orthodontist’s dedication to clinical excellence and lifelong learning.
How Many Orthodontic Boards Are Recognized?
Only one—the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Founded in 1929, the ABO is the oldest specialty board in dentistry and remains the only orthodontic certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association. Its mission has always been clear: to raise the standard of orthodontic care nationwide through education, certification, and professional collaboration.
Why Do Orthodontists Pursue Board Certification?
Board certification is not required to practice, so why do some orthodontists choose this demanding path? Simply put, it shows their highest level of commitment to their patients and profession.
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist means your doctor:
Has proven knowledge, skill, and judgment in orthodontics
Is dedicated to keeping up with the latest treatment advances
Demonstrates a lifelong commitment to clinical excellence
Holds themselves to the highest professional standards
For many orthodontists, this achievement is both a personal milestone and a way to show patients they are receiving the best care possible.
What’s Involved in the ABO Certification Process?
The ABO certification process has evolved since its founding in 1929, but it remains one of the most rigorous in dentistry today. It includes two main steps:
Step 1: The Written Exam
240 comprehensive questions covering every area of orthodontics
Tests the orthodontist’s academic knowledge and clinical understanding
Step 2: The Clinical Exam
Submission of real patient case reports that demonstrate excellence in treatment
Review and evaluation by a panel of ABO examiners
An oral exam to assess problem-solving, judgment, and application of knowledge
Once these steps are successfully completed, the orthodontist earns the title of ABO Board-Certified Orthodontist—but the journey doesn’t stop there.
Renewal Every 10 Years
Certification is time-limited. Every 10 years, orthodontists must renew their credentials by proving continued excellence in patient care and commitment to the highest standards of orthodontics.
