American Board of Orthodontics: Setting the Standard for Excellence in Orthodontic Care

Founded in 1929, the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) stands as the pioneering authority in orthodontic certification and remains a global leader in the field. As the first specialty board in dentistry, the ABO collaborates closely with the American Association of Orthodontists and is officially recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards. This designation affirms the ABO’s role as the premier certifying body for Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Mission and Role

The ABO is dedicated to advancing the quality of orthodontic care by setting rigorous standards for patient treatment and professional excellence. By encouraging orthodontists to achieve ABO certification, the board fosters a commitment to continuous learning and superior patient care. This certification not only elevates the practice standards within the specialty but also ensures that patients receive care from highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals.

Certification Testing Windows

To maintain the highest standards of certification, the ABO administers several key examinations throughout the year:

• ABO Written Examination (ABO-WE)
  • Registration Start Date: February 5, 2024
  • Examination Window: April 2, 2024
• ABO Clinical Examination (ABO-CE)
  • Registration Start Dates:
    • January 2, 2024
    • July 22, 2024
  • Examination Windows:
    • February 22-23, 2024
    • September 17, 2024

Interactive Previews

Before taking the exams, candidates can familiarize themselves with the testing formats through interactive demos:

• Written Examination Demo – Explore the functionality of multiple-choice questions and test navigation.
• Clinical Examination Demo – Review scenario-based clinical questions and practice examination procedures.

Scheduling Your Examination

For first-time test takers, creating a Pearson VUE web account is the first step in the scheduling process. Here’s a streamlined guide to scheduling:

1. Create an Account: Register on the Pearson VUE website. Ensure your personal details match those provided to the ABO.
2. Schedule Your Exam:
   • For the ABO-WE, appointments can be scheduled up to one business day before the exam.
   • For the ABO-CE, schedule your appointment at least 2 weeks in advance.

After scheduling, Pearson VUE will send a confirmation email detailing your test date, time, test center address, and directions.

Note: Ensure to check your spam/junk folder for confirmation emails. If you do not receive one, verify your appointment status online or contact Pearson VUE customer support.

Accommodations for Disabilities

The ABO is committed to providing equitable access for all examinees in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Candidates requiring special accommodations must:

• Submit a request with appropriate medical documentation and details of recommended accommodations at least 90 days before the exam date.
• Requests should be made directly to the ABO at support@abomp.org.

Please note, accommodations that fundamentally alter the nature of the examination will not be provided.

Resources and Additional Support

• ABO Policies and Disclosures – Detailed information on examination policies and procedural guidelines.
• Contact ABO Certification Team – For questions about certification and accommodations.

By ensuring that you are well-informed and prepared, the ABO aims to uphold the highest standards in orthodontic care and professional excellence.