AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS DOCTOR 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 orthodontia, 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:
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To evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates
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To re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of re certification exams throughout a Diplomat's career
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To support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics
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To promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world
Becoming Board Certified
To become board certified, an orthodontist has to pass a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations, as well as a comprehensive review of his or her 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 Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics, has been voluntarily examined by his or her peers on the basis of knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.
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The Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists (EHASO)
The Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists (EHASO) grew out of a distinguished Angle School alumni organization begun in 1922. The members were dedicated to Dr. Angle’s goals of excellence and progress in the art and science of orthodontics. In 1930, The Angle Orthodontist was inaugurated by the Angle Society as a means of furthering these aims.
Today, EHASO is a global society which adheres to its founding traditions. Members, drawn from the entire community of orthodontists worldwide, are identified as able and willing contributors to the advancement of orthodontics. Only orthodontists with these qualities are invited into the membership.
The Angle Society presently has only 660 members worldwide, of which approximately five percent of orthodontists in the United States qualify.
Becoming a Member of the Angle Society
Membership into the prestigious Angle Society is by invitation only. Only a select few orthodontists are chosen worldwide, and only after displaying academic and clinical excellence. To achieve full membership, chosen orthodontists must complete and present clinical case reports, an oral report, and a written report in a format suitable for publication. Members must continue to present two case reports annually to maintain their standing.
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