Like any medical professional, orthodontists are held to high industry standards. Dr. Steven Harrison, an orthodontist in Springfield, MO is no different. But how are these standards determined? Well, the most significant way is through the American Board of Orthodontics. What does that mean? And what does the board do? You can find out in this blog entry from Parkcrest Dental Group.
What Is the American Board of Orthodontics?
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is a specialty board in dentistry, focused specifically on orthodontics. The main purpose of the board is to promote best practices for top quality orthodontic services. This is accomplished by stringent certification standards that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in orthodontic services.
A Brief History of the ABO
The ABO was formed in 1929 and was the first board of its kind. Originally named the American Board of Orthodontia, the ABO was renamed in 1938 to the title we know now. In 1950, the ABO was recognized as the official certifying agency for orthodontists by the American Dental Association, with the written examination introduced just over a decade later.
It wasn’t until 1998, however, that the ABO introduced a time limit on the amount of time an orthodontist was certified, instead requiring exams to be retaken periodically. The examination and certification process has continued to evolve over the years, with the ABO now offering scenario-based exams to assess orthodontic skill. Many orthodontists like Dr. Steven Harrison regularly retake the ABO exams to be remain fully certified.
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What Does It Take To Be Board Certified?
In order to become a certified orthodontist like Dr. Steven Harrison and many others across the US, hopeful candidates need to undergo testing with the ABO. This testing involves both written testing and a clinical examination. The clinical exam can be a scenario-based oral clinical examination, or a traditional, case-based clinical or craniofacial clinical examination.
In order to reach a broad range of orthodontic professionals and advocate for a large number of qualified professionals, the ABO offers a variety of ways to approach testing and certification. The core value at the heart of what they do is provide patients the peace of mind that they are receiving excellent treatment from a fully certified and dedicated professional.
Contact Dr. Steven Harrison for Professional Orthodontic Treatment
If you’re looking for dependable, professional orthodontic treatment options, contact Dr. Steven Harrison at Parkcrest Dental Group today. Dr. Harrison has helped countless patients in and around Springfield, MO improve their dental health through his dedication to the best in orthodontic care. Find out more about what he can do for you today.
