Orthodontic Board Certification by Credential?

[drben]

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In the most recent AJODO the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) announced that they will be offering practicing orthodontists the "gateway opportunity" toward Diplomate status within the ABO. Basically, once you pay $1880 they will issue you a 5-year certificate as a diplomate of the ABO as long as you have met the educational requirements. During the 5 years you are required to "recertify" by taking an oral exam administered by the Board, as well as present treated cases that meet specific criteria.

This is a major development in the Orthodontic world, and I am wondering if any of you are aware if the other dental specialties are pursuing a similar route to Board certification or if they already have something similar in place.

It's interesting that the Board has decided to do this...for the last 70 years the percentage of orthodontists that are "Board Certified" has ranged from 15-28%. This most recent change is an effort to have a greater percentage of practicing orthodontist become board certified.

I'm happy that the board has decided to make board certification more attainable. However, I was working on cases to submit to the board for board certification and I am somewhat disappointed that being "Board Certified" will no longer be a way to distinguish your efforts to quality orthodontic care...

What do you guys think?

 

[toofache32]

Is there no board exam anymore?

 

[texas_dds]

there are 3 phases/tests to the ABO - you take the first 2 while in ortho school and until recently, you would only be board certified if you took the 3rd phase years later (which many people weren't doing)
so now they are giving you 5 years of board certification right out of school and you can keep it if you take the 3rd phase. (or thats how i understand it)

 

[Wah]

I kinda just skimmed through the article... Instead of getting lifetime certification, you have to get recertified every 10 years after passing the part 3 within 5 years of graduation. This applies only to those graduating in 2005-2007 (and practicing orthodontists) I believe. This is supposed to maintain a high quality of care throughout an orthodontist's career for those that are board certified. Recertification sounds like a pain in the ass, but it's there for a reason.

 

[lnn2]

... like a pain in the ass...

I guess that you're not doing it right then!