Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Noor Obaisi is proud to be a board-certified orthodontist, a distinction that reflects advanced training, proven clinical expertise, and a strong commitment to delivering the highest level of orthodontic care.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. While all orthodontists must be licensed to practice, not all pursue board certification. In fact, only about half choose to complete this additional, voluntary process.
Becoming a board-certified orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) goes beyond the required 2–3 years of specialty training. It involves demonstrating real patient results, clinical excellence, and advanced knowledge through a rigorous evaluation process.
What Is the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)?
The ABO is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest dental specialty board in the United States.
Its mission is simple:
- Improve the quality of orthodontic care
- Promote excellence in the profession
- Ensure the highest standards for patient treatment
Why Does Board Certification Matter?
Board certification shows a higher level of dedication to patient care. It means the orthodontist has:
- Demonstrated advanced clinical skills
- Proven their ability to treat a wide range of cases
- Committed to ongoing education and improvement
- Met nationally recognized standards of excellence
For patients, this translates to confidence, trust, and peace of mind.
What Does It Take to Become Board Certified?
The certification process is detailed and highly selective. It includes:
- Comprehensive Written Exam: Covers all aspects of orthodontic knowledge
- Clinical Case Review: Submission of real patient cases showing successful outcomes
- Oral Examination: Evaluation by a panel of expert orthodontists
Each step is designed to ensure the orthodontist can provide safe, effective, and high-quality care.
Is Certification Permanent?
No. Board certification is time-limited and must be renewed every 10 years.
This means board-certified orthodontists must:
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements
- Continue demonstrating excellent patient outcomes
- Maintain high professional standards over time
What This Means for You
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist means choosing a provider who has gone above and beyond standard requirements to deliver exceptional care.
At Obaisi Orthodontics, Dr. Noor Obaisi combines this advanced level of expertise with a personalized, patient-focused approach, so you can feel confident every step of your smile journey.
What steps are required to complete the ABO certification process?
Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of information which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this “board exam” allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Clinical Examination where they present detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.