Choosing the right orthodontist is one of the most important parts of ensuring a successful smile transformation and achieving a smile that makes you proud to show off! After all, your orthodontist will be the architect turning your dream smile into a reality.
Many people assume that all orthodontists have the same qualifications and all are board-certified. But this isn’t the case; only half of orthodontists out there are board-certified today!
Here’s what choosing a board-certified orthodontist in Wilmington (Porters Neck) means for you:
What does board-certified mean?
An ABO orthodontist, or an orthodontist certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is an additional and voluntary credential that not every orthodontist puts that time and energy into pursuing.
This certification is a lot more than just 3 letters added to the end of these doctors’ names! It means these orthodontists went above-and-beyond and dedicated extra time to advancing and perfecting their skills and techniques, to ensure that their patients receive the best possible results with maximum comfort and efficiency.
When an orthodontist earns their board certification, this shows their commitment to meeting the highest standards of orthodontic care, and a dedication to lifelong learning.
Now let’s learn how it’s done!
How to become board-certified
In order to apply for a board certification in orthodontics, you’ll have to become an orthodontist first (of course!) Here’s what you’ll have to do:
- Complete a 3-4 year graduate program in dentistry and receive a DDS or DMD (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine). Cool fact: these degrees are actually the same, but the name of the degrees varies depending on the college the doctor attended!
- Complete 2-3 year residency at a competitive CODA-accredited (Commission on Dental Accreditation) orthodontic program.
Once you’re an official orthodontist, you’ll be able to apply for board-certification with the ABO! The process to become a board certified orthodontist is split into 2 steps:
- First, an orthodontist will need to complete and pass a written examination. Think of it like the ACT or SAT. This exam is only offered once a year in April and requires an orthodontist to go to specialized testing centers.
- Next up is completing a clinical examination, this is a 4 hour exam that rotates between written and oral responses.
Once these two steps are complete, an orthodontist earns the title of board-certified and will need to renew their certification every 10 years. That means lifelong learning and improving!
How many orthodontists are board-certified?
Only about 63% of orthodontists are certified by the ABO. That’s only a little over half of the orthodontists in the world who decide to undergo further certification.
Our very own Dr. Matsumoto is included among the few AAO orthodontists that are board-certified. In fact, he is one of only a few providers in the country who is board-certified in both orthodontics and periodontics!
Live near Wilmington (Porters Neck) and want to see all the orthodontists near you? Check out this easy tool to find an ABO orthodontist. Our Wilmington orthodontist office might be closer to you than you think!
Come meet our board-certified orthodontists in Wilmington (Porters Neck)!
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist near Wilmington (Porters Neck), NC, choosing a board-certified orthodontist can be a life-changing choice for you and your family!
We invite you to Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics for your complimentary consultation so you can experience the difference yourself. Get started today.
