The Future of Certification Renewal
The American Board of Orthodontics is currently reviewing our Certification Renewal process to ensure it continues to reflect the evolving field of orthodontics and the world we live in today. Our goal is to evolve the program to appropriately support lifelong learning, professional growth, and public trust while providing value to our board certified orthodontic specialists.
Components of the Review Include:
- Gathering survey feedback on professional development and continuous learning preferences among ABO-Board Certified Orthodontic Specialists
- Conducting interviews with other Dental and Medical Specialty boards to ensure our approach is both rigorous and relevant
- Engaging with key stakeholders including Educators, Associations, Employers and Insurance Providers to gather feedback from different perspectives
- Working with an external consulting firm to manage and guide the review process
- Consulting with a third-party psychometrician to ensure the recommended enhancements to the process meet best practices and industry standards
Discovery Process:
The ABO formed an ad hoc committee to assess and evaluate future considerations for the Certification Renewal process and is working with an external consulting firm to manage and guide the review. From September 2025 through March 2026, the ABO has collaborated with key stakeholder groups and collected feedback through surveys and virtual interviews.
Peer Board Interviews:
Common themes were identified when collaborating with other Medical and Dental Specialty Boards regarding certification renewal processes.
1. Boards are moving away from high-stakes exams and shifting toward continuous or longitudinal assessment and ongoing professional development.
2. Greater emphasis on adult learning theory and continuous learning, with boards redesigning programs to better support professional growth.
3. Increased use of technology platforms that support an infrastructure for continuous learning.
4. Modernized renewal process that provides expanded options and increased flexibility.
5. Desire to strengthen engagement and increase the value of certification.
Boards Interviewed: |
|
|
♦ American Board of Pediatric Dentistry |
|
|
♦ American Board of Periodontology |
|
|
♦ Commission on Dietetic Registration |
|
|
♦ American Board of Prosthodontics |
|
|
♦ American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
|
|
♦ American Board of Dermatology |
|
|
♦ American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons |
|
|
♦ American Board of Anesthesiology |
|
| ♦ American Board of Optometry | |
ABO-Board Certified Orthodontist Survey:
All active Board Certified Orthodontists were invited to share their perspectives on Certification Renewal. Nine-hundred (900) respondents participated, answering survey questions and providing personal insights through open-ended responses. Survey insights indicate board certified orthodontists are seeking a modernized process supporting a continual learning experience that is also convenient and flexible, and aligns with current clinical practice.
|
|
|
Next Steps:
Additional research and further analysis is necessary to determine the future of the ABO's Certification Renewal process. The ABO ad hoc committee and external consulting firm will initiate research into potential components and partnership opportunities, as well as the investigation and testing of technology platforms. Developing a comprehensive, competency-based framework that reflects current best practices and meets the needs of orthodontic practitioners is paramount.
Frequently Asked Questions:
As the orthodontic specialty continues to evolve, it is important to meet the changing needs of today's practitioners. The goal is to enhance the process based on our findings to ensure that recertification is a comprehensive, competency-based framework that reflects current best practices and advancements in orthodontic care.
The ABO Board of Directors has formed a subcommittee to assess and evaluate the recertification process for Board Certified Orthodontists. The subcommittee consists of four Board members and three staff members along with an external consulting firm to manage and guide the review process.
Collaboration regarding the current Certification Renewal process started many months ago in discussions among the Board of Directors, Educators, and candid conversations with Board Certified Orthodontists, but the formal review began in September 2025.
This webpage and email communications will keep you informed about the progress of our review. Answers to frequently asked questions will also be posted.
On November 10, 2025, a survey was sent to all active ABO-Board Certified Orthodontists. The survey aimed to gather feedback regarding professional growth and continuous learning preferences among certified specialists. Additionally, external interviews with key stakeholders including other Dental and Medical Specialty Boards, Associations, Employers, and Insurance Providers will be conducted.
Yes, all active Board Certified Orthodontists who complete the survey will have the opportunity to enter into a drawing to win one of two $500 Amazon gift cards. Limit of one survey entry per participant. Please participate, your input is invaluable!
This page is intended to provide updates on the review process and answer frequently asked questions. We welcome you to contact us with any questions.