What It Means to Be a Board Certified Orthodontist?
When you’re choosing an orthodontist, you want someone you can trust with your health and your smile. While every orthodontist must be licensed to practice, not all orthodontists take the extra step to become Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). At Riolo Orthodontics, Dr. Christopher Riolo is proud to hold this distinction, representing the highest standard of care in orthodontics.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
The answer is no. Every orthodontist completes dental school plus 2–3 years of specialty training in orthodontics. However, less than half of orthodontists continue on to achieve ABO certification.
Board certification is a voluntary credential that goes above and beyond licensing requirements. To earn it, orthodontists must:
Submit detailed case reports from real patients.
Demonstrate advanced clinical skills, treatment planning, and results.
Pass a comprehensive interview with a panel of expert examiners.
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist means choosing someone who has proven their expertise and commitment to excellence in patient care.
Who Oversees the Certification?
There is only one certifying board in orthodontics recognized by the American Dental Association: the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Founded in 1929, the ABO is the oldest specialty board in dentistry.
Its mission is to:
Elevate the quality of orthodontic care through rigorous standards.
Encourage lifelong learning among orthodontists.
Promote collaboration and professional excellence across the field.
When you see the ABO seal, you know your orthodontist has gone through one of the most demanding certification processes in dentistry.
Why Do Orthodontists Choose Board Certification?
Board certification is not required to practice, but many orthodontists pursue it to demonstrate their commitment to their patients, their profession, and continuous growth.
Benefits of certification include:
Commitment to excellence – showing that the orthodontist meets the highest standards in treatment planning and results.
Dedication to learning – staying current with the latest advancements in technology, appliances, and treatment techniques.
Trust and confidence – giving patients reassurance that they are in skilled, knowledgeable hands.
For orthodontists, board certification is considered a mark of personal achievement. For patients, it’s peace of mind.
What Is the Certification Process Like?
Becoming board-certified is not a one-time milestone—it’s a rigorous process that continues throughout an orthodontist’s career.
The ABO certification process includes:
Written Examination – A 240-question exam that covers all areas of orthodontic knowledge, from diagnosis and treatment planning to biomechanics and patient care.
Clinical Examination – The orthodontist presents real patient cases from their practice or residency, showing detailed before-and-after results. These cases are evaluated by expert examiners.
Oral Examination – A panel interview tests the orthodontist’s knowledge, clinical judgment, and ability to handle complex scenarios.
Certification Renewal – ABO certification lasts for 10 years. To maintain it, orthodontists must regularly demonstrate continued excellence and participation in lifelong learning.
Why Board Certification Matters for You
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist in Seattle ensures that your doctor has gone above and beyond to validate their skills. It shows:
They hold themselves accountable to the highest standards.
They have demonstrated success in treating a wide variety of cases.
They are committed to staying on the cutting edge of orthodontic advancements.
When it comes to your smile and your family’s oral health, that level of dedication makes all the difference.
Choose Confidence. Choose Excellence.
Dr. Riolo is a proud board-certified orthodontist serving Seattle and the surrounding communities. This achievement reflects not only years of specialized training, but also a dedication to delivering the very best orthodontic care for every patient—children, teens, and adults alike.
