A board certified orthodontist is an orthodontist who has voluntarily gone through the process of demonstrating their judgement, skills and knowledge to their orthodontic peers in order to ultimately provide the highest level of patient care. They have achieved board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontists.
An orthodontist is a dentist who has not only completed a graduate program in dentistry to receive their DDS or DMD (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine), but has also gone through a competitive residency at a CODA-accredited orthodontic program for an additional 2-3 years to be trained specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Achieving board certification is the last step in a long and intensive educational experience to ultimately provide excellent patient care.
Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth. Orthodontists understand the complexity of growth development and facial form. Treatment plans include issues related to the jaw and bite, not just movement of teeth. There’s a reason orthodontists go to additional years of highly competitive orthodontic school – to learn and perfect their ability in the specialty. A general dentist is ideal for providing regular oral health check-ups, comparable to your family doctor. Many dentists offer orthodontic treatment plans, but have not been trained or educated in the area.
A board certified orthodontist is committed to the highest level of patient care including a comprehensive treatment approach to ensure quality work. Board certified orthodontists must re-new their certification every 10 years to demonstrate their continuous commitment to excellence.
