The Future of Certification Renewal
SEPTEMBER 2026 —
In response to research findings, survey feedback, and today's ever-changing landscape, we are strengthening the ABO Certification Renewal process to reflect a board-certified orthodontist's commitment to lifelong learning.
Key Elements Being Addressed:
- Continuous Learning — Greater focus on professional growth and development
- Technology — Platforms that support ongoing learning and case analysis
- Flexibility — More options and greater flexibility within the renewal process
- Value & Engagement — Strengthening engagement and the value of ABO certification
The ABO is Introducing MyABO, Structured Around:
Clinical Advancement |
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Innovative and Patient-Centered Care |
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Professional Excellence |
What Does This Mean?
The ABO's 10-year Certification Renewal, which requires the completion of a high-stakes, pass/fail exam, is shifting to a 5-year self-directed continuous learning journey.
Drawing on shared resources with the AAO, board-certified orthodontists will navigate their journey with a focus on professional growth and development.
Aligning With Other Boards:
Your opinions and feedback have been essential in shaping this shift, which aligns with the direction other medical and dental specialty boards are moving:
- Moving away from high-stakes exams
- Greater emphasis on continuous learning
- Redesigning programs to better support professional growth
What Comes Next?
Moving into the Development and Implementation stages, the ABO will be:
- Finalizing program components
- Contracting with a new technology platform
- Developing a competency-based framework
- Aligning processes with current best practices
- Continuing to engage stakeholders through focus groups and pilot programs
SEPTEMBER 2025 —
The American Board of Orthodontics is currently reviewing our Certification Renewal process to ensure it continues to reflect the evolving field of orthodontics and the world we live in today. Our goal is to evolve the program to appropriately support lifelong learning, professional growth, and public trust while providing value to our board certified orthodontic specialists.
Components of the Review Include:
- Gathering survey feedback on professional development and continuous learning preferences among ABO-Board Certified Orthodontic Specialists
- Conducting interviews with other Dental and Medical Specialty boards to ensure our approach is both rigorous and relevant
- Engaging with key stakeholders including Educators, Associations, Employers and Insurance Providers to gather feedback from different perspectives
- Working with an external consulting firm to manage and guide the review process
- Consulting with a third-party psychometrician to ensure the recommended enhancements to the process meet best practices and industry standards
Discovery Process:
The ABO formed an ad hoc committee to assess and evaluate future considerations for the Certification Renewal process and is working with an external consulting firm to manage and guide the review. From September 2025 through March 2026, the ABO has collaborated with key stakeholder groups and collected feedback through surveys and virtual interviews.
Peer Board Interviews:
Common themes were identified when collaborating with other Medical and Dental Specialty Boards regarding certification renewal processes.
1. Boards are moving away from high-stakes exams and shifting toward continuous or longitudinal assessment and ongoing professional development.
2. Greater emphasis on adult learning theory and continuous learning, with boards redesigning programs to better support professional growth.
3. Increased use of technology platforms that support an infrastructure for continuous learning.
4. Modernized renewal process that provides expanded options and increased flexibility.
5. Desire to strengthen engagement and increase the value of certification.
Boards Interviewed: |
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♦ American Board of Pediatric Dentistry |
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♦ American Board of Periodontology |
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♦ Commission on Dietetic Registration |
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♦ American Board of Prosthodontics |
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♦ American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
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♦ American Board of Dermatology |
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♦ American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons |
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♦ American Board of Anesthesiology |
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| ♦ American Board of Optometry | |
ABO-Board Certified Orthodontist Survey:
All active Board Certified Orthodontists were invited to share their perspectives on Certification Renewal. Nine-hundred (900) respondents participated, answering survey questions and providing personal insights through open-ended responses. Survey insights indicate board certified orthodontists are seeking a modernized process supporting a continual learning experience that is also convenient and flexible, and aligns with current clinical practice.
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Next Steps:
Additional research and further analysis is necessary to determine the future of the ABO's Certification Renewal process. The ABO ad hoc committee and external consulting firm will initiate research into potential components and partnership opportunities, as well as the investigation and testing of technology platforms. Developing a comprehensive, competency-based framework that reflects current best practices and meets the needs of orthodontic practitioners is paramount.
Frequently Asked Questions:
As the orthodontic specialty continues to evolve, it is important to meet the changing needs of today's practitioners. The goal is to enhance the process based on our findings to ensure that recertification is a comprehensive, competency-based framework that reflects current best practices and advancements in orthodontic care.
The ABO Board of Directors has formed a subcommittee to assess and evaluate the recertification process for Board Certified Orthodontists. The subcommittee consists of four Board members and three staff members along with an external consulting firm to manage and guide the review process.
Collaboration regarding the current Certification Renewal process started many months ago in discussions among the Board of Directors, Educators, and candid conversations with Board Certified Orthodontists, but the formal review began in September 2025.
This webpage and email communications will keep you informed about the progress of our review. Answers to frequently asked questions will also be posted.
On November 10, 2025, a survey was sent to all active ABO-Board Certified Orthodontists. The survey aimed to gather feedback regarding professional growth and continuous learning preferences among certified specialists. Additionally, external interviews with key stakeholders including other Dental and Medical Specialty Boards, Associations, Employers, and Insurance Providers will be conducted.
The ABO recognizes that some orthodontic specialists are due for their ten-year Certification Renewal in the near future. The current/existing process requirements should continue to be completed until the new format is launched. We understand that there will be varying amounts of time remaining in each orthodontist’s 10-year certification period. This will be an important factor considered as we transition into the new Certification Renewal process.
We understand that orthodontic specialists have varying amounts of time remaining in their current 10-year certification period. This will be an important factor considered as we transition into the new Certification Renewal process.
This page is intended to provide updates on the review process and answer frequently asked questions. We welcome you to contact us with any questions.