What Does It Mean to Be a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process goes far beyond standard education. It demonstrates an orthodontist’s commitment to exceptional patient care, clinical excellence, and continued professional growth.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to become board certified.
The ABO certification process signifies a unique professional achievement—an advanced step beyond the two to three years of additional education required to specialize in orthodontics.
To become board certified, an orthodontist must:
Demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care through detailed case reports covering a range of orthodontic problems.
Complete a comprehensive written exam and clinical evaluation.
Participate in an in-depth oral interview conducted by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate orthodontic knowledge, clinical skill, and judgment.
Board certification is a voluntary achievement that reflects a doctor’s dedication to excellence in orthodontics and patient care.
What “Board Certification” Means for Your Family?
It’s a voluntary, rigorous process that proves consistent results—and gives you peace of mind knowing your orthodontist meets the highest standards of excellence.
What is ABO Board Certification?
Dr. Mark Musgrave went beyond standard training to become board-certified—an advanced, voluntary credential in orthodontics.
What did Dr. Musgrave do?
He passed a written exam, completed an oral exam, and presented 10 well-treated cases before a panel of examiners.
Why it benefits you:
Consistent outcomes, confidence with complex cases, and peer-reviewed standards of excellence.
See Our Results: [Before and After Gallery]
How Many Certifying Boards Are Recognized by the ADA in Orthodontics?
Only one.
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in orthodontics recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Founded in 1929, the ABO is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. Its purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration.
When you choose a board-certified orthodontist, you’re choosing a provider who meets the highest clinical and ethical standards in the profession.
Why Would an Orthodontist Choose to Complete This Voluntary Process?
Successful completion of the ABO’s rigorous process demonstrates an orthodontist’s commitment to the highest level of patient care and professional excellence.
Board-certified orthodontists show:
- Dedication to lifelong learning and staying current with the latest advancements in orthodontics.
- A proven ability to deliver consistent, high-quality results across a wide range of cases.
- A commitment to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
For many orthodontists, board certification represents the pinnacle of personal and professional achievement—a symbol of their passion for precision, quality, and care.
What Steps Are Required to Complete the ABO Certification Process?
Since its founding, the ABO has continued to refine and modernize its process to reflect the latest advances in orthodontic science and technology.
Today, the certification involves several key phases:
- Written Examination: A 240-question test covering all areas of orthodontic knowledge—from biomechanics and diagnosis to treatment planning and retention.
- Clinical Examination: Candidates present detailed case reports from their practice or residency, demonstrating excellence in patient outcomes across a range of orthodontic issues.
- Oral Examination: Applicants discuss their treatment decisions with examiners, who evaluate their clinical judgment, reasoning, and adherence to evidence-based care.
After successfully completing these stages, an orthodontist earns the distinction of Board-Certified Orthodontist.
Certification is time-limited, requiring renewal every 10 years to ensure continued commitment to quality, learning, and patient care.
Why It Matters to You as a Patient?
When you choose a board-certified orthodontist, you can trust that your doctor has:
- Proven expertise in diagnosing and treating all types of orthodontic cases.
- Demonstrated a consistent record of successful, high-quality results.
- Committed to continuing education and professional excellence.
Board certification is more than a credential; it’s a promise of exceptional care, precision, and dedication to your smile.
Book Your Complimentary Consultation today to experience board-certified orthodontic care with Dr. Mark Musgrave. For further information about The American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.
