What is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed a graduate program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation in the specialty of orthodontics. A dentist who graduates from a specialty program becomes an orthodontic specialist who is eligible to become board certified through the voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.
The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Certification is awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board-certified status.
Is My Dentist an Orthodontist?
Dentists who advertise Orthodontics are NOT Orthodontists. All Orthodontists are dentists. The easiest way to ensure the professional providing orthodontic care to your family has any formal CLINICAL training in the field of orthodontics is by visiting the American Board of Orthodontics website. Dental schools provide no clinical orthodontic training, so the only way a dentist receives CLINICAL orthodontic training is by attending a full-time, two- or three-year residency program following dental school.
A Step Beyond…Board Certification
This voluntary effort in continuing education is unique in that it applies earlier classroom work and conventional continuing education to the real world of patient care, culminating in presentation of treatment results for critical review by a panel of nationally respected peers.
The significance of board certification, however, goes far beyond achieving the approval of a small panel of experts. The greatest benefit comes from the in-depth self-evaluation that is required by years of preparation and continued maintenance of board certification, spanning a career’s quest for excellence.
Dr. Pratt Manning is presently on her second Recertification by the American Board of Orthodontics and intends to maintain her certification for her entire career.
Are all Orthodontists Board Certified?
Most Orthodontists are NOT board certified as the clinical exam involves presentation of that Orthodontist’s private practice cases, is extremely arduous, and the pass rate is very low due to the clinical specifics and difficulty of case types necessary to pass the clinical examination. It takes hard work and dedication to achieve Board Certification and then to maintain it.
Find a Board-Certified Orthodontist Near You
If you are searching for a board-certified orthodontist in The Woodlands, Dr. Pratt Manning can help. She is one of the only board-certified orthodontists in the entire area. To learn more and schedule your initial appointment, call Dr. Pratt Manning today at 281-367-0050.
