American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certification
The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) was organized by the American Society of Dentistry for Children in 1940. It is the only ADA-recognized certifying board for the specialty of pediatric dentistry.
The vision of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is to achieve excellence in pediatric dentistry through certification of all pediatric dentists.
Pediatric dentists that are certified by the ABPD have met the standard of excellence set forth in providing high-quality oral healthcare for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. When a pediatric dentist becomes certified, he or she has successfully completed accreditation training and a voluntary examination process designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and experience required to deliver the highest quality of patient care.
Certification also reflects a dentist’s commitment to lifelong learning and continuing education. ABPD-certified dentists have a desire to practice pediatric dentistry at the highest level and are dedicated to constantly reevaluating their practice in light of the most recent scientific evidence.
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 aims and ideals, and to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners.
The board upholds four main objectives supported by its mission:
- To evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates
- To re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate’s career
- To support the development of quality graduate, post-graduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics
- 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 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 Diplomate 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.