What Is a Board-Certified Orthodontist? (And Why Only 1 in 3 Are)
A board-certified orthodontist is one who has voluntarily passed the rigorous exams of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the specialty’s only ADA-recognized certifying board. All orthodontists are licensed and trained, but only about one in three go on to earn board certification, and they renew it every ten years. It is an extra, optional mark of commitment. This guide explains what it means and how to check if yours has it.
What board certified means
A board-certified orthodontist has voluntarily completed the American Board of Orthodontics certification process, which involves rigorous written and clinical exams and a review of real treated cases. It is not a requirement to practice. Every licensed orthodontist has already finished dental school plus two to three years of specialty training, but board certification is an additional, optional step that a minority choose to pursue.
What the ABO is
The American Board of Orthodontics is the specialty’s official certifying board, and the only one recognized by the American Dental Association. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. Earning its certification can take years of preparation on top of training, and certified orthodontists must renew every ten years, which keeps them current with advances in the field.
Board certified vs licensed
Every practicing orthodontist is licensed; not every one is board certified. The table shows the difference.
| Licensed orthodontist | Board-certified orthodontist | |
|---|---|---|
| Dental school | Yes | Yes |
| Orthodontic specialty training | Yes, 2 to 3 years | Yes, 2 to 3 years |
| Passed voluntary ABO exams | No | Yes |
| Case review by peers | No | Yes |
| Renews certification every 10 years | Not applicable | Yes |
Why it matters to patients
Board certification is a signal of a voluntary commitment to high standards and ongoing learning. It does not mean a non-certified orthodontist provides poor care, since all orthodontists are trained specialists. But for patients comparing options, it is a meaningful, verifiable credential, much like board certification in medicine. It is exactly the kind of detail worth knowing before committing to a long course of treatment.
Worth knowing: Watch the wording. Being board eligible is not the same as board certified. Certification means the exams are passed and the credential is current.
How to check if yours is certified
- Ask the office directly whether the orthodontist is ABO board certified.
- Look for it stated on the practice website or the orthodontist’s bio.
- Verify through the American Board of Orthodontics rather than taking wording at face value.
- Use a directory that lists board-certification status so you can compare at a glance.
Your next step
Board certification is one of several signals worth weighing, alongside experience, ownership, and how comfortable you feel in the office. Our directory flags which practices are board certified so you can compare them side by side. For more on evaluating a practice, see our checklist for choosing an orthodontist.
Find and compare orthodontists near you, including which practices are board certified and independently owned.
Search orthodontists near me →This article is general information, not medical advice. Certification is one factor among many; always choose the orthodontist you trust for your care.
