You may have heard of orthodontists being “board certified,” but what does that mean? Is it really important when you’re getting braces or Invisalign? Yes! Board certification is important because it lets you know your orthodontist doesn’t just understand orthodontic concepts. He knows how to care for real patients like you. 

Dr. Petrous of Petrous Orthodontics definitely understands orthodontic concepts. After completing his bachelor's degree, Dr. Petrous completed his degree in dentistry and an intense two year residency in orthodontics. Many orthodontists would stop there, but Dr. Petrous went on to earn a postdoctoral Master’s of Science degree, with original research focused on orthodontic access for people of all income levels.

Dr. Petrous’s decision to pursue ABO board certification demonstrates that his professional commitment goes beyond theory to practice. To real patients. To you. 

What Does ‘ABO Board Certification’ Mean?

ABO Certification is all about patient care. When you’re choosing an orthodontist, you want one who is the most qualified to fit your needs. You get that assurance with an ABO board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Petrous. 

Like other board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Petrous has voluntarily focused on learning how to provide the highest quality patient care. He added hours of training and preparation in order to demonstrate that he has the professional judgment and skills necessary to apply his orthodontic knowledge exceptionally well with patients.

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process requires an orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care through detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems.

What Does It Take to Become Board Certified?

It’s not easy to become board-certified. A doctor starts with a written exam to test their orthodontic knowledge. If the doctor passes, they move on to the clinical exam, where they appear before a panel of highly respected experts. The doctor presents real treated cases to the panel, which asks the doctor to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment.

Once a doctor has board certification, they have to keep it. To maintain certification, ABO board-certified doctors must take additional exams every few years to keep their knowledge up-to-date. 

Are All Orthodontists Board-Certified? 

While all orthodontists are licensed to practice, not all are board-certified orthodontists. In fact, only 1 in 3 orthodontists have an ABO Board Certification. The certification process is unique and a huge achievement for the orthodontist. 

What does this mean for you? It means your doctor has done more than go through years of advanced education. It means your doctor has voluntarily committed to pursuing the highest level of patient care, and is ready for anything, no matter how severe your orthodontic issues.

Board certification means you can rest assured: Dr. Petrous has the knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment to give you the best quality care possible.