No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to complete Board Certification. 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.
Dr. Natalia Tomona is a board certified orthodontist. She graduated with honors from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia Dental School in Lima, Peru 1994. After that she completed a 3 year Residency Program in Orthodontics in the same University. She worked in private practice and as a Faculty of her alma mater for 5 years.
Then she moved to the USA to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program at the University of Maryland BCDS, where she received the Harry W.F. Dressel, Jr. Award of Clinical Excellece in General Dentistry. She obtained her DDS degree from University of Maryland after completing an Advanced Standing Program, where she obtained The Harry E. Kelsey Memorial Award for Professional Demeanor in the Area of Orthodontics, The Academy of Operative Dentistry Award, Best Senior Dental Student Poster and she was invited to the Omicrom Kappa Upsilon and Gorgas Honorary Dental Society. She also completed a Research Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) publishing an article about Smith-Magenis Syndrome and 3D Imaging in the Am J of Med Genetics.
Her interest in the area of Orthodontics moved her to pursue a second residency at New York University in that specialty. After that she came back and establish her private practice limited to Orthodontics in Germantown, MD in 2008.
I enjoy working alongside with Dr. Tomona and staff. As the Treatment Coordinator, I will ensure that all your questions or concerns are answered in timely manner. When I am not at work, I enjoy reading, and spending time with my family.
It is an honor and priviledge to work for Dr. Tomona and her team. Here it is the perfect environment where I can contribute with my experience into the office's success. The most positive and fun part of my job is when I take pictures of the little faces that just got debonded. Dr. Tomona is like a magician who can change peoples'lifes by fixing their smiles.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 205 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestRoxane Andrianarisandy
2 years ago
Amazing work, and they are really nice!
Fer Gutierrez
2 years ago
I had a bit of an awkward moment with the front desk recently, but Dr Tomona made sure to follow up on the situation, which is a clear sign of how much care they take not only of their clients' teeth, but also maintain high standards for patient satisfaction. Thank you very much Dr., to you and all your amazing team.
Alberto Diaz
2 years ago
The best !
Nathan L.
2 years ago
All the people are great and I'm glad to finally be able to get braces but the experience is definitely not pleasant lol. Eating being the most difficult part. Hopefully it all improves in time. Other than that we are blessed to have a good orthodontist in our area.
Yazmin Miranda-Perez
2 years ago
It was amazing. I'm very happy with the result. The team is fantastic and are very nice.
Shakira Johnson
2 years ago
Dr. Tomona and her staff are amazing. My son just had his braces removed and I'm now considering getting my teeth straightened. I would absolutely recommend this place to friends and family.
Alicia Valero
2 years ago
The ladies are really nice, and they take good care of my mouth teehee :)
Zorayda Castellanos
2 years ago
Dr. Tomona and staff are extremely wonderful. They are very customer friendly, always take their time to explain everything clearly. They encourage you and are very positive through out every procedure. I couldn't have trusted my teeth to the care of anyone else. They truly give an outstanding service. Thank you Dr. Tomona and staff! You've given me a beautiful smile and have given my teeth the confidence and strength that they need!!! :)
Merela Batri
2 years ago
10 stars! Phenomenal office in all aspects. Dr. Tomona and her whole staff are truly top notch. They are friendly, informed and work quickly to help you with any issues you may have with scheduling, financials, etc. You will not regret going to Dr. Tomona's office! Highly recommended!
heba sultan
2 years ago
I always felt welcomed at Dr. Tomona's office . Greeted by a friendly front desk. Super nice and friendly staff! Very clean and sanitary office.
Lyanne M.
2 years ago
I had a good experience with this practice. I love their appointment reminders! Staff is polite and knowledgeable.
Tina Tinkx
2 years ago
this place makes it home whenever they help your teeth. and they help you out really good.
Kayale Store
2 years ago
Excellent service . all the staff is incredible, very kind , professional and lovely.
Shawn Miranda
2 years ago
Dr. Tomona and her staff were wonderful to my son during his treatment. My son has special needs and they were very accommodating and understanding. He went from having an overbite that kept him from closing his mouth to having a beautiful smile! They were amazing and we are so grateful for their help!
Kraken Collin
2 years ago
I went in for a consultation and they tried Charing me over $1000 dollars for ONE retainer. I went to another ortho and they told me it would only be $250... i felt extremely disrespected by the staff at this establishment for up charging me (young adult) for so much money. Deeply upset by how i was treated. I recommend everyone avoid this place
Tina Tinkx
3 years ago
this place makes it home whenever they help your teeth. and they help you out really good.
Lyanne M.
3 years ago
I had a good experience with this practice. I love their appointment reminders! Staff is polite and knowledgeable.
Amanda Cross
3 years ago
Bad service will not recommend to anyone!!!!
Merela Batri
3 years ago
10 stars! Phenomenal office in all aspects. Dr. Tomona and her whole staff are truly top notch. They are friendly, informed and work quickly to help you with any issues you may have with scheduling, financials, etc. You will not regret going to Dr. Tomona's office! Highly recommended!
Gabriela Carpio
3 years ago
Had a very successful treatment at Dr.Tomona's office. I came back for a follow up and it felt like I never left. Great customer service and very clean. Would highly recommend Dr. Tomona for Orthodontic Treatment!
Load more