What is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed a graduate program accredited by CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) in the specialty of orthodontics. A dentist who graduates from a specialty program and becomes an orthodontic specialist is then eligible to become board certified through the voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Involvement in the certification process demonstrates the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.
The certification process involves a thorough written examination that covers all areas of knowledge an orthodontist should master. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases that will be evaluated by expert examiners of the board during a clinical examination. Certification is now awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board-certified status.
Through this accomplishment, an orthodontist has earned the title of Diplomate of the ABO.
Identifying a Diplomate of the ABO
Dr. Mark A. Bieszki is currently a board certified-orthodontist and has earned the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He successfully presented clinical cases and passed the examination needed to re-certify his Diplomate status in 2012, and will need to re-certify again prior to 2022. Please note that all orthodontists practicing in Michigan with an active orthodontists’ license are State of Michigan certified, but this does not mean they have taken the extra step and passed the examinations to become a board-certified orthodontist with the American Board of Orthodontics as described above.
You should always verify the certifying board if an orthodontist does not provide this information. The ABO is the only orthodontic certification board recognized by the American Dental Association and sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontists. An orthodontist certified by the ABO may feature the following logos:
