TEAM CANTOR
Orthodontics
BOARD CERTIFIED
Only Board Certified Orthodontist From Carlisle, PA
You might think all orthodontists are board certified, but, in fact, only one in three are. Finding an American Board certified orthodontist in Carlisle, PA is the only way to be certain you’ll have a great orthodontic experience. Dr. Richard J. Cantor with Cantor & Team Orthodontics is not only proud to be board certified, but he is also committed to providing the very best in service to all of his patients.
What Is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
While all orthodontists must have a license to practice, only a select few have achieved board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics, or ABO. This is a substantial achievement because it shows that an orthodontist has made the commitment to go beyond the typical amount of advanced education (typically two to three years) it takes for a dentist to specialize in orthodontics.
Board certification is a voluntary, rigorous process in which the orthodontist has to demonstrate judgment, orthodontic knowledge and skills in front of a panel of highly-respected examiners. Certified orthodontics is a demanding field, requiring true expertise in several areas of patient care. A certified orthodontist has not only shown that expertise, but has also demonstrated substantial accomplishments.
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It takes hundreds of hours for an orthodontist to show they should be board certified. They must not only earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, but they must also go through a two- to three-year residency at an accredited orthodontic program.
Are all orthodontists Board Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to complete Board Certification. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process signifies a unique achievement—a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. The process requires the orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that all orthodontists do not choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills and judgment.
How Do You Become an American Board Certified Orthodontist?
The ABO certification process has undergone significant changes since the board was founded in 1929. Now, an orthodontist must successfully complete a 240-question written test and then go to the clinical examination stage. This is where they demonstrate excellence in the care of patients by submitting detailed case reports. A panel of examiners evaluates these reports and then give the orthodontist an oral test on several different clinical and academic topics. The orthodontist will then achieve board certification after passing the oral examination.
How many certifying boards are recognized by the American Dental Association in the specialty of orthodontics?
One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. The ABO was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The board’s purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education and professional collaboration.
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Why would an orthodontist choose to complete this voluntary certification process?
Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontist’s highest commitment to excellence in orthodontics to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. It represents a commitment by a licensed specialist that he/she has the necessary knowledge base and skills to treat patients to the highest of standards. It exemplifies a practitioner’s commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care, and to continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.
What steps are required to complete the ABO certification process?
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information in which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable.
Successful completion of this “board exam” allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Clinical Examination where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a time-limited period.
The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.
For further information about The American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.
Why Choose a Board Certified Orthodontist?
When you put your faith in a board certified orthodontist, you are making one of the best possible decisions for your oral health. The reason is this professional has shown a commitment to delivering the highest level of patient care. Talk to the only American Board certified orthodontist in Carlisle, PA today by calling Cantor & Team Orthodontics at 717-243-8432 or contacting us online to schedule a free consultation.