What is an orthodontist?

Just as there are specialist medical doctors who limit their practice to certain parts of the body (eye, heart, etc.), there are specialist dentists who focus their practice on certain areas of dentistry.

Orthodontists are dentists who have completed an additional 3 years of intensive residency, beyond the 4 required years of dental school, to become specialists in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial problems including crowding or spacing of the teeth, overbites, crossbites, open bites, and misaligned jaws.

Orthodontists use braces, clear aligners, palate expanders, retainers, and other appliances to straighten teeth, close spaces, correct bites, guide jaw growth, and improve facial form.

Because of their advanced education and experience, orthodontists are uniquely qualified to recommend and deliver the best course of orthodontic treatment for every patient.

Are all orthodontists Board Certified?

No. All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to become certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).

ABO Logo

Board Certified orthodontists meet additional standards beyond general licensing by completing comprehensive written and clinical examinations designed to demonstrate the practitioner’s knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment to treat patients to the highest of standards.

Dr. Laura C. Sotomayor is a BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST.

ABO Written Exam

TOPICS TESTED:
Biochemistry, Physiology, Bone Biology & Histology, Anatomy, Growth & Development, Genetic Disturbances, Developmental Disturbances, Microbiology, Immunology, Infection Control, Pathology, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Pharmacology, Statistics
Orthodontic Materials, Techniques, & Appliances, Dentofacial Orthopedics & Biomechanics, Orthodontic Diagnosis, Case Analysis, Treatment Planning, Occlusion, Temporomandibular Disorders, Radiology, Cephalometrics, Anatomic Landmarks, Speech Pathology, Behavioral Science, Orthodontics & Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, Implantology, & Restorative Dentistry

ABO Clinical Exam

Orthodontists present detailed case reports from their practice, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a highly respected panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral exam where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of written and clinical examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification. Certification status must be renewed by completing a similar process every 10 years.