Our Leadership

Director Selection Process PDF

Structure and Expectations: 

The American Board of Orthodontics consists of eight (8) Directors, each of whom represents one (l) of the constituents of the American Association of Orthodontists (the sponsoring organization of The ABO in accordance with rules established by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards).  Board members 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. Board members provide foresight, oversight and insight.

Each Director shall serve one term of eight (8) years plus one 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 within the board 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 positions make up the ‘Executive Committee’ of the board). Each director serves a one year term in these positions until the next newly elected director is identified and installed.

Qualities of ABO Director:  

• The willingness to subjugate one’s own personal agenda for the common good of the organization.
• Ability to think strategically and effectively communicate.
• Ability to work well with others as a member of a collaborative group with group decision-making authority.
• An understanding 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 years since ABO Initial Certification.
• Must be at least five years since graduation from a CODA Accredited Orthodontic program.
• Must be engaged in the 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 2 days per week of clinical practice and/or faculty appointment involvement.
• Involvement 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. 

*No business or commercial involvement with orthodontic equipment, suppliers or management firms will be acceptable activity for a Director of the ABO.

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 each February and 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

Suggested Timeline Leading to ABO Director Appointment