ABO Orthodontics
American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Board Certification
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ExploreAbout this exam
ABO board certification is a professional credential awarded by the American Board of Orthodontics, which the source describes as founded in 1929 as the first specialty board in dentistry, partnered with the American Association of Orthodontists, and recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards as the national certifying board for Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. It is aimed at orthodontists who want to demonstrate achievement beyond licensure; the ABO frames certification as "a seal of achievement and commitment" and reports that more than half of all AAO orthodontists are now ABO-Board Certified, with certification at 68.7%. Holders are formally endorsed to display the standardized "ABO-Board Certified" credential. Preparation should be built around the ABO's own published pathways: the Become Certified section, Renew Certification, the Pathway Program, and the Downloads and Resources page, supplemented by the ABO blog (Across the Board) and its presentations. Because the ABO describes both an initial certification process and a 10-year renewal cycle, plan study and case documentation with the renewal horizon in mind. Verify all logistics - application steps, scheduling, fees, and scoring - directly with the ABO, since this page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ABO.
What you'll study
About ABO Orthodontics preparation
Who administers ABO board certification, and what exactly does it certify?
The American Board of Orthodontics, founded in 1929 as the first specialty board in dentistry. It is recognized by the National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards as the national certifying board for Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and it is partnered with the American Association of Orthodontists.
How long does ABO certification remain valid?
The ABO describes a 10-year certification cycle: in its December 2025 results announcement it recognized 105 orthodontists who "successfully renewed their certification for another 10 years," and its June 2026 announcement noted 67 orthodontists completing 10-year renewal requirements. Confirm your own renewal deadline with the ABO.
What should I study first when preparing for the case-based assessment?
Start with the ABO's own Become Certified and Downloads and Resources pages to learn the required submission components and evaluation criteria, then build your case portfolio around those criteria. Treat clinical topics as the content and the ABO's published requirements as the frame; studying content without the frame is the most common wasted effort.
How hard is it, and what is the pass rate?
The source page does not publish a pass rate, exam difficulty rating, or scoring standard, so treat any specific figure you hear as unverified. The ABO does report that 68.7% of the specialty is board certified, which indicates the credential is a distinguishing, not universal, achievement.
What happens if I do not pass - can I retake it?
The source page does not state a retake policy, number of attempts, waiting periods, or fees. Do not rely on secondhand accounts; request the current policy in writing from the ABO before you apply so you can plan your timeline and budget accordingly.
How much time should I budget for preparation?
The source gives no preparation timeline or recommended study hours. A practical approach is to work backward from your intended application date, allocate the largest block to assembling and documenting cases, and reserve separate time for written content review. Confirm all deadlines directly with the ABO.
Is there a fee, and how do I register?
Fees, payment steps, and registration are not specified on the source page. Use the ABO Portal Login and Become Certified links on the ABO site for authoritative application instructions and current costs, and keep copies of everything you submit.
How should I display the credential once certified?
The ABO formally endorses a standardized way to display the credential: "ABO-Board Certified" (with the registered mark as the ABO presents it). Use that exact form rather than inventing variants, and check the ABO Store and downloads for approved logos and brochure materials.
What are the most common failure modes candidates should guard against?
The source does not publish failure data, so no ranking can be given. Reasonable safeguards: verify requirements against the ABO's current published materials rather than older memory, keep records complete and consistent across cases, and confirm renewal obligations early so certification does not lapse at the 10-year mark.
Is this study guide affiliated with the ABO?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Board of Orthodontics. For definitive answers on eligibility, format, timing, and fees, consult the ABO directly at americanboardortho.com or by phone at (314) 432.6130.