A board-certified orthodontist is one who has voluntarily passed the rigorous examination process of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), the only certifying board in the specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Only about one in three orthodontists completes it.
At Elite Orthodontics Group in San Diego, all three of our doctors, Dr. Nader Ehsani, Dr. Sherry Sabet, and Dr. John Freda, are ABO Diplomates.
Every orthodontist must be licensed to practice. Board certification is something more: a voluntary step that goes well beyond the two to three years of specialty training required to become an orthodontist. It is one of the clearest signals you can look for when choosing who will guide your care.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed, but at this time only about one in three has gone on to complete board certification. The process requires an orthodontist to demonstrate real accomplishments in patient care, with detailed case reports across a broad range of treated problems. Because it is voluntary, certification reflects a personal choice to be measured against the highest standard in the specialty.
One Recognized Board: The ABO
The American Board of Orthodontics is the only certifying board in orthodontics recognized by the American Dental Association. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. Its purpose is to raise the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration.
Why Orthodontists Choose to Certify
Completing the examination process demonstrates an orthodontist’s highest commitment to excellence, to both the profession and the public. It signals that a licensed specialist has the knowledge and skill to treat patients to the highest standard, and that they are committed to keeping pace with the latest advances and bringing those advances to their patients. Many orthodontists view it as the highest level of personal achievement in their field.
What the ABO Certification Process Involves
The requirements have evolved since 1929, but the path remains demanding. Today it includes:
- A written examination of 240 questions covering every area an orthodontist should know.
- A clinical examination, in which the orthodontist presents detailed case reports from practice or residency that show a history of excellence in patient care.
- An oral examination, where a panel of examiners discusses those cases and tests the applicant across a wide range of academic and clinical topics.
After passing these examinations, the orthodontist achieves board certification for a time-limited period. To maintain it, they must complete certification renewal every 10 years, demonstrating that high standard of care over the length of a career. You can learn more directly from the American Board of Orthodontics.
Why It Matters for Your Care
When all three doctors in a practice are Diplomates, board-certified care is not the exception, it is the standard. It means a specialist who has proven their skill to expert peers is planning and leading your treatment from start to finish. If you want to put that expertise to work for your smile, we would be glad to meet you. Meet our doctors or schedule a consultation today. Se habla español.
Frequently Asked Questions
Board certification is one of the highest credentials an orthodontist can achieve and reflects a commitment to excellence in patient care. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about board certification, what it means, and why it matters when choosing an orthodontist.
Are the doctors at Elite Orthodontics Group board-certified?
Yes. Dr. Ehsani, Dr. Sabet, and Dr. Freda are all Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics.
What is the difference between a licensed and a board-certified orthodontist?
Every orthodontist is licensed. A board-certified orthodontist has voluntarily passed the additional ABO examination process, which only about one in three orthodontists completes.
How often must board certification be renewed?
ABO certification is time-limited and must be renewed every 10 years by demonstrating a high standard of patient care.
Is the ABO the only orthodontic certifying board?
The American Board of Orthodontics is the only certifying board in the specialty recognized by the American Dental Association.
Choose Board-Certified Care in San Diego
Put a board-certified specialist in your corner. Schedule a consultation with our team. Conveniently located in Serra Mesa / Kearny Mesa, serving Mission Valley, La Jolla, Clairemont, and central San Diego.
Schedule your consultation → Request an appointment · (858) 277-8080 · *Se habla español.*
*Reviewed by Dr. Nader Ehsani, board-certified orthodontist (American Board of Orthodontics) and Diamond+ Invisalign provider. Meet Dr. Ehsani.*
