NESO News

American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Update


Dr. Emile Rossouw

As the certifying board for the specialty of orthodontics, the American Board of Orthodontics continues to evolve and identify new ways to be proactive during these challenging times. With our recent announcement of an alternative virtual testing option for the Scenario-based Clinical Examination due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, we are pleased to report that we have seen a positive response to the virtual option and all upcoming scheduled examinations are currently full with waitlists or approaching full capacity.

Clinical examinations will take place at Scantron Testing Centers Worldwide with travel to St. Louis no longer required. The exam continues to be administered in a scenario-based format with the same exam components and testing criteria. The validity of the exam will be maintained with changes only made to accommodate how answers are submitted. Exams will continue to be scored by multiple ABO examiners to ensure accuracy and consistency for each exam section.

The ABO currently represents 49 percent of AAO membership. We are inspired by the commitment to learning and personal achievement and what this means for the specialty.

The ABO is also proud to introduce an orthodontic specialty video on the importance of using a specialist. This professionally created video was developed specifically for board certified orthodontists to feature in their lobby or patient waiting areas, on their website and social channels and during patient consultations. This specialty video compliments the existing educational resources available to all board certified orthodontists which include an Educational Toolkit, Brand Standards Guide, sample website wording, press release, pathway graphic, window clings and consumer brochure. Additionally, each board certified orthodontist has a personal, online dashboard where enhanced software allows for improved functionality on the ABO website to include an orthodontist locator with ability to list multiple offices, user-specific dashboard notifications, print complimentary verification letter and track personal CE credit hours.

If you are not currently board certified but would like more information, we are here to help. Please visit the ABO website for complete details on the certification process or contact us at info@AmericanBoardOrtho.com  or call 314-432-6130.

Together, we can make a difference and share the message on the importance of using an orthodontic specialist.

Emile Rossouw, ABO Director