Pathways to Certification

The Gateway Offer concluded on July 1, 2007, and was the preferred certification pathway for more than 3000 orthodontists since the option was initiated in March of 2005.

Additional opportunities for achieving Board certification remain. All orthodontic residents and all graduates of an ADA accredited orthodontic specialty program may enter the process by registering for and successfully completing the ABO Written Examination. Also, anyone who has successfully completed the written examination in the past is eligible to re-enter the process by proceeding to the ABO Clinical Examination. There is no time limitation nor expiration date for the written examination.

When six cases have been collected according to criteria established for the First Recertification Examination, the orthodontist may register for the clinical examination, which includes a board case oral examination. Successful completion of the clinical examination will earn the orthodontist a 10-year ABO certificate. New Diplomates will be required to become recertified every ten years in an effort to maintain their clinical proficiency and boarded status. Details of recertification exams at later stages in the process will be determined by future ABO Directors.

The orthodontic residents of the Class of 2007 will be the first official class to have the option of achieving board certification immediately following graduation by fulfilling criteria established for the Initial Certification Examination. Periodic recertification will also be mandatory to maintain the status of Diplomate.