Board certified pediatric dentist Dr. Joanne Rahman, or Dr. Joanne, is passionate about educating parents and children about proper oral health strategies. She believes that learning about prevention early in a childs life is the key to a beautiful and healthy smile. She absolutely loves her career choice, and the lifelong relationships she has formed with her patients.

Board certified orthodontist Dr. Jeffrey Leong LOVES being an orthodontist! He strongly believes that everyone deserves the self-confidence that comes with a beautiful smile. The greatest joy he gets as an orthodontist is his ability to make positive changes in patients lives, affecting them on personal, social, and professional levels. He enjoys seeing the transformation in their patients as they grow into happy and confident individuals.

No. All pediatric dentists and orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only a small percentage of these specialists have continued on to become a board-certified. The board certification process signifies a unique achievementa significant step beyond the three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. The process requires the specialist 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 not all pediatric dentists or orthodontics choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) and American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), an individual specialist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their dental knowledge, clinical skills and judgment.

Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the specialists highest commitment to excellence in their field to both the pediatric dental and 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 pediatric dentists and orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.

Since the establishment of the ABPD and ABO in 1940 and 1929, respectively, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialties. Today, the process involves a thorough written examination covering all areas of information which a pediatric dentist and orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this qualifying exam allows the candidate to proceed to the second part of the board evaluation.

The ABPD Oral Clinical Exam consists of multiple clinical scenarios presented from a panel of examiners. Examiners will ask open ended questions to assess the candidates knowledge and skills on all aspects of pediatric dentistry. Upon successful completion of this, the pediatric dentist has achieved Board Certification. In order to maintain board status, the pediatric dentist must complete yearly requirements in the form of examinations and continuing education to meet the rapidly changing science and technology, and to provide the highest quality care to the patients.

During the ABO Clinical Examination, the candidate presents 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.

Our goal at San Ramon Childrens Dentistry and Orthodontics is to create a comfortable and relaxing environment, while efficiently managing your childs dental needs, and the orthodontic needs of the entire family. The mission of our doctors and staff is to nurture beautiful, healthy smiles for our patients that will last a lifetime!

As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Joanne Rahman (or Dr. Joanne) is dedicated to giving your child a positive dental experience, and to provide you with the tools and knowledge to help your child maintain a healthy mouth. Dr. Joanne spent an additional three years after dental school at a pediatric advanced training residency. During this time, she only treated children and special needs patients, and had extensive training with various behavior modification techniques and pediatric emergency care. She is passionate about building trust with her patients and giving children a positive dental experience.

Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Jeffrey Leong, designs individualized treatment plans and provides leading edge orthodontic care for each patient. Dr. Leong completed a three-year orthodontic advanced training residency after dental school, during which he only practiced orthodontics. Having spent this time learning the biology and mechanics of tooth movement allows Dr. Leong to provide his patients with the best care possible. Each patient has different needs and goals, and Dr. Leong is committed to customizing treatment plans so they are specific for each patient.

The ability to see two specialists in one office gives our patients the unique ability to have their childs growth and development closely monitored, and determine if and when orthodontic care may be needed.