Written Case Report
The Written Case Report is included in the case report notebook assembly and is available on this website for download. The ABO requires a specific format and sequence for the examinee's discussion of the presented case. It contains twenty-six sections which cannot be altered and must be limited to the equivalent of two typewritten pages.
The number of lines for any particular discussion section (e.g. DIAGNOSIS - Skeletal, DIAGNOSIS - Dental) may be increased or decreased as needed. In other words, every discussion section may be tailored to the needs of the specific case presentation to provide a succinct yet thorough written description of diagnosis, treatment planning and execution of therapy.
Each case report must include:
Summary of Records and Treatment Dates -
Calculate and record Months to Final Records as the number of months between Completed TX Date (appliance removal) and B-Records Date. Note that Posttreatment (B) Records must be obtained within 12 months of appliance removal for the Board's acceptance of your case.
History and Etiology
Diagnosis - include a brief description of the nature and extent of the anomalies for skeletal and dental and/or facial problems. Examinee may comment on the points used to record the arch widths on the Case Management Form.
Treatment Plan - include your diagnostic analysis and reason for choosing a particular treatment plan, extraction or non-extraction, appliances used, anchorage considerations, type of retention, supplemental therapy and prognosis.
Specific Objectives of Treatment for:
- Maxilla
- Mandible
- Maxillary dentition
- Mandibular dentition
- Facial Esthetics
Appliances and Treatment Progress - include a description of appliances used and of the actual treatment, response to treatment and any complications. Do not record what was done at each visit.
Results Achieved - refer to the objectives stated for the maxilla, mandible, maxillary dentition, etc., and confirm that the objectives were reached or explain why an objective was not realized.
Retention - describe appliances and supplementary procedures.
Final Evaluation - include all pertinent observations and prognosis for stability. Describe posttreatment changes. State what you learned about your specific diagnosis and treatment of the case.
All Case Report forms and worksheets can be downloaded at
Case Report Worksheets, Forms and Instructions
Written Case Report (doc)
Written Case Report Instructions (pdf)