ABO Certification

American Board of Orthodontics Certification

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) was founded in 1929. It is the oldest and most prestigious specialty board in dentistry. The ABO’s aim is to elevate the standards of the practice of orthodontics, to familiarize the public with its aim and ideals, and to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners.

The Board upholds four main objectives supported by its mission:

• To evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates.
• To re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate’s career.
• To support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate and continuing education programs in orthodontics.
• To promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world.

Becoming Board Certified

To become board certified like Dr. Austin Rahaim, one must pass a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations, as well as a comprehensive review of their credentials. The initial process of becoming board certified can take anywhere from five to ten years. Once certified, the orthodontist must become re-certified every ten years to maintain board certified status.

What Does It Mean To Be Board Certified?

A board-certified orthodontist, also known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, has been voluntarily examined by his/her peers according to knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics. Currently, only 35% of the practicing orthodontists in the United States have achieved ABO certification.