Why choose a Board Certified Orthodontist?

Dr. David Lee is a Board Certified Orthodontist. There is a difference between a licensed orthodontist and a board certified orthodontist. Only about 30% of practicing orthodontists in the United States are board certified. Certification involves significantly exceeding the educational and achievement requirements, and is rewarded after completing 3 additional years of orthodontic residency after graduating from dental school along with a qualifying examination.

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 aim 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, postgraduate and continuing education programs in orthodontics
• To promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world

Becoming Board Certified

Not all orthodontists are board certified. A doctor must excel, learn from each case, and manage orthodontic mechanics carefully to make it through the board certification process. To become board certified, an orthodontist has to pass a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations, and undergo a comprehensive review of their credentials. The initial process of becoming board certified can take anywhere from five to ten years. Once certified, the orthodontist must become recertified every ten years to maintain board certified status. Dr. Lee completed his board certification process within 14month of graduating from his orthodontic residency.

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/her peers according to knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics. Dr. Updike is a board certified orthodontist.

Learn more at American Board of Orthodontics