Application And Exam Registration

The applicant must have completed or be a full-time student/resident in an advanced education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics which is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the ADA. The "Advanced Standing Student - Standard #5," as recognized by the Commission of Dental Education, is eligible to make application upon the completion of their program. The applicant will submit with the application either a copy of the graduate orthodontic degree/certificate or a letter from the Program Director verifying the applicant's status.

To find an ADA accredited orthodontic program, proceed to Links.

1. Application

To begin the certification process, an application with required credentials is submitted to the ABO office along with registration for the Written Examination.

2. Written Examination

The comprehensive Written Examination assesses the examinee's knowledge of basic sciences and clinical concepts. Any educationally qualified practicing orthodontist may take the written exam. An orthodontic student/resident may take the written exam if they have completed 18 months of their program at the time of the exam. After successful completion of the written exam, there is no time-limit nor expiration date for completing the clinical examination. The Written Examination is administered at Pearson VUE test centers. Registration is made to the ABO office, after which you will receive instructions for reserving your test date with Pearson VUE. See Exam Dates and Fees for dates and deadlines. No late registrations can be accepted. Find Pearson VUE test centers at www.pearsonvue.com.

>> Download ABO Application/Written Exam Registration (pdf)

3. Clinical Examination

Certifying Examinations

Anyone who has successfully completed the written examination is eligible for the ABO clinical exam. The Initial Certification Examination is permitted within 36 months of graduation from an orthodontic program. If more than 36 months have passed since graduation, the examinee may register for the Beginning Certification Examination as their certifying examination. A time-limited certificate will be issued upon successful passage of the clinical exam. See Exam Dates and Fees for dates and deadlines.

Recertification Examinations

By the end of the time-limited certificate a Diplomate of the ABO must have taken the type of recertification examination that is appropriate for their stage in the certification process. See Pathways to Recertification.

>> Download ABO Clinical Exam Registration

4. Annual Fee

The Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association requires all recognized specialty certification boards to remain economically independent. Assessment of a Diplomate annual fee is therefore necessary to finance the many endeavors of the ABO and is required to maintain certification. Failure to pay the annual fee will result in reclassification to INACTIVE status with loss of your right to claim certification by the ABO. The annual fee can be paid by credit card through the Online Services of our website, or by mail or fax upon receipt of an invoice sent by the ABO.