The significance of board certification, however goes far beyond achieving the approval of a small panel of experts. The greatest benefit comes from the in-depth self-evaluation that is required by years of preparation and continued maintenance of board certification, spanning a career�s quest for excellence.

Requirements for Certification by The American Board of Orthodontics

• Graduation from an ADA accredited orthodontic institution.
• Successful completion of a written examination.
• Presentation of completed cases to demonstrate clinical competency.
• Continued maintenance of skills in diagnosis and treatment demonstrated by periodic re-examination and presentation of patient records.

Application: Confirmation of the Required Orthodontic Education

This requires documentation that the orthodontist has followed his/her general dental education with at least two additional years of full time post-doctoral study in an orthodontic program accredited by the American Dental Association.

Written Examination
A Comprehensive Examination Reviewing the Orthodontic Educational Curriculum

This requires an arduous examination exploring all phases of orthodontic care. The entire advanced specialty education course of study must be reviewed to prepare for this examination, including actual patient care.

Clinical Examination
Oral Exam and Case Presentation

This is an opportunity for the orthodontist to demonstrate accomplishment in patient care via detailed reports of a broad range of complex treatment problems. Detailed case reports, which include a written summary presentation of the history, diagnosis, treatment and final results analysis, must be documented with radiographs, photographs, and casts produced before and after treatment.

In addition to presenting the required case reports on the candidate�s own cases, diagnoses and treatment planning based on records provided by Board examiners must also be developed and defended.

Recertification
Maintenance of Certification to Assure Treatment Quality

Recertification is mandatory for maintenance of skills and knowledge, and therefore the Diplomate must undergo rigorous re-examination at scheduled intervals throughout his/her career. For those Diplomates holding a �lifetime certificate�, voluntary recertification is encouraged.

DIPLOMATE

Successful completion of the Clinical Examination entitles Dr. Gittess to become Board Certified and to display the designation of Diplomate of The American Board of Orthodontics for the time limit of the certificate. The recertification examinations entitle Dr. Gittess to earn a new time limited certificate to allow continued use of the Diplomate designation.

DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS
� Diplomate, The American Board of Orthodontics