What It Means to Be a Board-Certified Orthodontist
A board-certified orthodontist has voluntarily passed the rigorous examination of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), going beyond the licensing and specialty training all orthodontists complete. Only about one in three orthodontists pursue it. At San Marcos Orthodontics, all three of our doctors are board-certified.
Every orthodontist is a licensed dental specialist, but not every orthodontist is board-certified. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that demonstrates an orthodontist’s highest commitment to excellence, and at San Marcos Orthodontics, it is a standard all three of our doctors have met.
Dr. Nader Ehsani, Dr. Sherry Sabet, and Dr. John Freda are each board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. When you choose our practice, you choose specialists who have voluntarily proven their knowledge, skill, and judgment to a panel of their peers.
Are All Orthodontists Board-Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but only about one in three go on to complete board certification. The American Board of Orthodontics certification is a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required to become a specialist in orthodontics after dental school.
The process asks the orthodontist to demonstrate real accomplishments in patient care, with detailed case reports across a broad range of patient problems, judged by a respected panel of examiners.
What Is the American Board of Orthodontics?
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest specialty board in dentistry.
Its purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration. A Diplomate of the ABO has voluntarily submitted to this peer review, the gold standard for demonstrating orthodontic expertise.
What Does Board Certification Require?
The certification process is demanding. It involves:
- A thorough written examination of 240 questions covering all areas an orthodontist should know
- A clinical examination, where the orthodontist presents detailed case reports from their own practice
- Recertification every 10 years to ensure ongoing excellence
Successful completion demonstrates a licensed specialist’s commitment to having the knowledge and skills to treat patients to the highest standards.
Why Board Certification Matters for You
When your orthodontist is board-certified, you have independent assurance that they have met a standard far above the minimum required to practice. For complex cases, growth-related treatment in children, and the kind of precise, lasting results you want from orthodontics, that extra level of demonstrated expertise matters. It is one of the clearest signs that you are in expert hands. Meet our board-certified orthodontists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Board certification is a distinction earned by orthodontists who have completed additional voluntary examinations beyond their specialty training. Below are answers to common questions about board certification, what it means for patients, and why choosing a board-certified orthodontist can provide added confidence in your care.
Are all the doctors at San Marcos Orthodontics board-certified?
Yes. Dr. Ehsani, Dr. Sabet, and Dr. Freda are all board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
What is the difference between a licensed orthodontist and a board-certified one?
Every orthodontist must be licensed, but board certification is a voluntary step beyond licensing that demonstrates excellence through a rigorous peer-reviewed examination. Only about one in three orthodontists complete it.
How often must an orthodontist renew board certification?
ABO certification must be renewed every 10 years, ensuring the orthodontist stays current with the highest standards of care.
Choose Board-Certified Care in San Marcos
Experience the difference of treatment from a fully board-certified team. Call San Marcos Orthodontics at (760) 744-4444 or request an appointment for your complimentary consultation. We are located on West San Marcos Boulevard, serving San Marcos and North County San Diego.
