What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?

Drs. Pale, Gemmi, and Middleberg are “Board Certified Orthodontists.” Since it is a voluntary certification process, this is a designation only held by about 40% of all orthodontists practicing in the United States. Drs. Pale, Gemmi, and Middleberg are fully committed to their patients, and the Board Certification process is a great means for self-evaluation and affirmation of the excellent care they provide.

Passing the examination requires a great deal of personal commitment, as the preparation is rigorous. The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Oral Examination. Certification is now awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board certified status.

An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an American Dental Association accredited graduate program in the specialty of orthodontics. A dentist who graduates from a specialty program becomes an orthodontic specialist who is eligible to become board certified through the voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.