No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to become a board certified orthodontist. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process signifies a unique achievementa significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. The process requires the orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that all orthodontists do not choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills and judgment.
One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. The ABO was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The boards purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education and professional collaboration.
Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontists highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. It represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that he/she has the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients to the highest of standards. It exemplifies a practitioners commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care, and to continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this board exam allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Clinical Examination where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.
Growing up, I knew I wanted to help people. I just wasnt sure in what way. I started out as a receptionist for a dental clinic and was given the opportunity to be a dental assistant. Immediately, I felt that this is what I was destined to do. I am now a registered dental assistant and every day, I come to work so excited to brighten patients smiles.
I graduated from Minot State University about the same time as I completed 9 years in the Army National Guard, both of which I am very proud. Being in the Guard allowed me to meet people in all walks of life while traveling the world a little! Both college and the Guard enabled me to broaden my horizons in regard to diversity and other cultures, which is a big part of what makes me, me!
Kindness, caring, fun, compassionate, professional. I believe that we all have unique backgrounds that come together to make our environment and practice what it is a light-hearted, caring, fun-loving group! And who doesnt want to be a part of that!? We hope our patients feel that and enjoy their time here!
Making a difference and making people smile. Helping where I can and make each visit to our facility a happy one. I am a people person. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing our stories. I love to meet people from my home state of Wisconsin and to talk up our sports teams (even in an off or rebuilding year)!
Bringing smiles to people is a wonderful, inspiring job. I enjoy getting to know our patients and seeing their transformation. Contests are one of my favorite part of my job. I hope you all play along.