Only Board Certified Orthodontist From Carlisle, PA
You might assume that all orthodontists are board certified, but actually, only one in three holds this distinction. To ensure you receive top-notch orthodontic care in Carlisle, PA, it’s essential to find an American Board certified orthodontist. Dr. Richard J. Cantor at Cantor & Team Orthodontics is proud to be board certified and is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to all his patients.
What Is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
The American Board of Orthodontics, or ABO, is the body through which only a select few orthodontists receive and maintain their certification. This substantial achievement shows that an orthodontist has made a commitment to their patients, going above and beyond the typical amount of advanced education (typically two to three years) it takes for a dentist to specialize in orthodontics. They must earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree as well as complete the two- to three-year residency at an accredited orthodontic program.
Board certification is a voluntary and challenging process where an orthodontist showcases their judgment, knowledge, and skills before a panel of esteemed examiners. Achieving certification in orthodontics is demanding, requiring genuine expertise in various aspects of patient care. A board certified orthodontist has put in hundreds of hours of work to prove their expertise as well as demonstrated significant accomplishments in the field.

Are all orthodontists Board Certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but currently, only one in three has pursued Board Certification. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification represents a significant achievement, going beyond the two to three years of specialized education required to become an orthodontist. This rigorous process involves demonstrating real accomplishments in patient care through detailed case reports that cover a wide range of patient issues. Board certification is a voluntary pursuit, not undertaken by all orthodontists. To become board certified by the ABO, an orthodontist must undergo a thorough interview with a highly respected panel of examiners, showcasing their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment.
How Do You Become an American Board Certified Orthodontist?
The ABO certification process has undergone significant changes since the board was founded in 1929. Now, an orthodontist must successfully complete a 240-question written test and then go to the clinical examination stage. A panel of examiners evaluates detailed case reports to evaluate excellence of care and then give the orthodontist an oral test on several different clinical and academic topics. An orthodontist must pass both the written and oral portion of the certification process and engage in continuous learning, submitting additional case reports to maintain certification even after passing the board.
How many certifying boards are recognized by the American Dental Association in the specialty of orthodontics?
One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the field recognized by the American Dental Association. Established in 1929, it is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The ABO’s mission is to enhance the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education, and professional collaboration.
Why would an orthodontist choose to complete this voluntary certification process?
A board-certified orthodontist demonstrates the highest level of commitment to the success of their practice and their patients. You know they have the skills and knowledge to provide the best possible treatment for your individual case. It also proves your practitioner’s commitment continued learning, ensuring they know the new advances in patient care, the best way to treat complicated oral issues, and to continue to deliver the latest and best treatment options to patients.
What steps are required to complete the ABO certification process?
Since its establishment in 1929, the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) has continuously updated its certification process to meet the evolving demands of the specialty. Today, the process begins with a comprehensive Written Examination consisting of 240 questions that cover all necessary areas of orthodontic knowledge.
Upon passing this exam, the orthodontist advances to the Clinical Examination, where they present detailed case reports from their practice or residency. These reports must demonstrate a history of excellence in patient care and are thoroughly evaluated by a panel of examiners. This is followed by an oral examination, during which the orthodontist is tested on a wide range of academic and clinical topics.
Successfully completing these examinations grants the orthodontist Board Certification, which is valid for a limited period. To maintain their certification status, the orthodontist must undergo Certification Renewal every 10 years, continually demonstrating their commitment to high standards in patient care.
For further information about The American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.

Why Choose a Board Certified Orthodontist?
Don’t trust just anyone with your smile. Put your faith in an ABO certified orthodontist. In Carlisle, PA, call Cantor & Team Orthodontics at 717-243-8432 or contacting us online to schedule a free consultation.