We are certainly looking forward to attending the 2021 AAO Annual Session in Boston, MA. If you are also planning to attend, please take a moment to join us for an ABO Open House and Info Session to be held during the following times:

  • Friday, June 25 – 9:30-11 AM
  • Saturday, June 26 – 9:30-11 AM
  • Sunday, June 27 – 9:30-11 AM

ABO directors and staff will be available to answer your questions on board certification and share examination preparation resources available to you.  The sessions will be held in Room 102 of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

If you are not available on the above times, please consider stopping by the ABO booth which will be located in the Exhibit Hall for additional information.

Board Certification Process

The first step in achieving orthodontic board certification is successful completion of the ABO Written Examination. Details on eligibility requirements and examination preparation are located on the ABO website. Of special note, once you successfully complete the Written Examination, it does not expire and does not need to be retaken.

Following successful completion of the Written Examination and graduation from an advanced specialty education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in the United States and Canada accredited by CODA, orthodontic specialists may register for the Scenario-based Clinical Examination. Examinations are now held at Scantron testing centers worldwide with travel to St. Louis not required. For complete information on exam requirements, eligibility, how to prepare and examination dates, please visit the ABO Website. We also encourage you to reference the Board Certification FAQs as an additional resource.

Certification Renewal is required every ten years to continue active board status and as a commitment to lifelong learning.

The ABO currently represents 49% of AAO membership.

It Takes A Specialist

In an effort to inform and educate the general public on the importance of using a specialist, the ABO recently released a video, It Takes a Specialist, created exclusively for use by board certified orthodontists. This video is just one of the many resources available to you once board certification is achieved. By working together, we can continue to share our story and strengthen the specialty.

For additional information on orthodontic board certification, please contact the ABO at [email protected] or call 314-432-6130.