Our Leadership

Director Selection Process PDF

Structure and Expectations: 

The American Board of Orthodontics (the “ABO” or the “Board”) is a Missouri nonprofit corporation whose governing entity consists of eight (8) Directors, each of whom represents one (1) of the constituents of the American Association of Orthodontists (“AAO”), the sponsoring organization of the ABO in accordance with rules established by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. Directors are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. Directors provide foresight, oversight and insight.

Each Director shall serve one term of eight (8) years plus one (1) additional year as Past-President. The term of office of each Director shall begin at the end of the ABO Directors meeting during the American Association of Orthodontists annual convention following the official election of the new Director.

Officer hierarchy is dictated through seniority, with each Director moving up yearly as the next Director is installed (most senior Director moves to the President position, second most senior Director moves to President-Elect position and the third most senior Director moves to Secretary/Treasurer; these three (3) positions make up the ‘Executive Committee’ of the Board). Each Director serves a one (1) year term in these positions until the next newly-elected Director is identified and installed.

Qualities of ABO Director:  

• Willingness to subjugate one’s own personal agenda for the common good of the organization.
• Ability to think strategically and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work well with others as a member of a collaborative group with group decision-making authority.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the fiduciary duties of loyalty, care, and obedience.
• Commitment to the highest level of integrity, ethics and fairness as demonstrated through respect and honesty. 
• Knowledge of current orthodontic concepts.
• Ability to think innovatively and remain open minded. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a Board Certified orthodontist in good standing with the ABO.
• Must be at least two (2) years since ABO Initial Certification.
• Must be at least five (5) years since graduation from a CODA Accredited Orthodontic program.
• Must be engaged in full or part-time direct patient care and/or hold appointment as a full or part-time clinical faculty member in a CODA Accredited Orthodontic program. Minimum part-time requirements must equal two (2) days per week of clinical practice and/or faculty appointment involvement.
• Must be involved in orthodontic and dental organizations, orthodontic education, licensing boards, expert lecturing and scientific research or hold a board membership in organizations outside of dentistry is preferred. 
• May not be involved commercially with orthodontic equipment, suppliers or management firms.

Time Commitment: 

As a Director of the ABO, a significant time commitment is necessary, and the Director must be willing and able to devote time as necessary to accomplish Board responsibilities.  Time requirements vary in accordance with project and committee assignments. In addition to various board matters throughout the year requiring additional attention, the following are specific meetings which all directors are expected to attend.

• 3-4 virtual days February and/or October for the Orientation/Grading of Clinical Examinations
• 7-8 days - AAO Annual Meeting in April/May
• 4-5 days - ABO Committee Meetings/Item Writing Sessions in June/July
• 3-4 days - CDABO Summer Meeting in July
• 4-5 days - ABO Strategic Business Meeting in August/September
• 3-4 days - Director’s fall Constituent Organization Meeting
• 2 Virtual ABO Board Meetings per year
• Virtual Committee Meetings as needed

Responsibilities:

Directors must adhere to the terms of the ABO Director Participation Agreement and all ABO rules and regulations governing ABO members. 

While serving as a Director of the ABO, the Director is prohibited from (among other things):

• using or disclosing any ABO confidential information except in connection with service to the ABO
• directly or indirectly conducting, assisting, or participating in any for-profit mock scenario boards or ABO exam preparation courses
• serving as an expert witness or providing any formal statement, opinion, or testimony in the capacity of a Director of the ABO

Suggested Timeline Leading to ABO Director Appointment