Fall 2002 Editorial

ABO Gets Better

by Gerald Nelson, DDS

In this issue, the PCSO’s representative on the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. John Grubb, begins a regular report on the activities of the ABO. Over the past few years, the ABO has taken several important steps to make certification much friendlier.

• In 1993, the Board hired an educational consultant and completely revamped the written exam. Now, a third of the questions change every year.
  
  
• The clinical, or Phase III examination, is completely revised. There is more than one way to present cases, either prospective or respective.
  
  
• The Objective Grading System has taken the mystery out of evaluating case quality. Candidates applying will receive a kit for grading their cases.
  
  
• The ABO website www.americanboardortho.com contains complete information on the Phases of Certification, the Grading System, a list of diplomats, how to prepare for the exams and much more.

Many orthodontic residency programs now require taking (not passing) the written examination (Phase II) prior to graduation. The surprise is that they don’t all require it.

Taking the Phase II exam familiarizes the candidate with the process and the people involved. The Board is committed to helping candidates and the examiners and staff acknowledge the self-imposed trauma some candidates experience.

Candidates report that the examiners are very helpful and encouraging. Once you apply for the written test, it becomes very easy to move through the steps to completion.

One of the hurdles some face is that they have not taken Board-recommended records on their cases. This need not prevent you from taking Phase II. Indeed, the process will help you learn how to make some changes to bring diagnostic records up to Phase III standards. It may mean that for new starts you need to order some additional x-rays or take a different set of photos. Some wonder if they can use mounted models, virtual models, digital photos, digital x-rays, etc. Look on the website for some answers. If you don’t see what you need, send an e-mail to info@americanboardortho.com If you prefer, the Board will send you hard copy of all the information you need, just call 314-432-6130.

Candidates may think the goal of certification is the status and recognition of being able to say, “I did it.” But most Diplomates say that the real value is the process — looking at your cases in depth, selecting the sometimes hard-to-find cases with all the records, and producing the case write-ups.

You never practice orthodontics quite the same after the journey, and your critical eye acquires another dimension.

(PDF version)*