American Board of Orthodontics Certification
Every orthodontist must be licensed to practice. Becoming Board Certified is a further, entirely voluntary step that not every orthodontist takes. This certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) reflects a commitment that goes beyond the two to three years of advanced residency required to become an orthodontic specialist in the first place.
Certification is not a one-time credential. An orthodontist must present detailed records of completed, treated cases to a board of their peers, defend the clinical reasoning behind each one, and renew the certification periodically - choosing, in other words, to have their finished work examined by the people best qualified to judge it.
Why It Matters for You
Completing and maintaining certification signals an orthodontist’s ongoing commitment to excellence - the knowledge and skills to treat patients to a high standard, and a habit of staying current with advances in care. For a patient choosing a provider, it is one clear, externally verified marker of that commitment.
Both Dr. Richard Hannah and Dr. Gretter Hannah are diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is board certification required to practice orthodontics?
No. Licensing is what legally permits an orthodontist to practice; board certification is an optional commitment on top of that. Some orthodontists pursue it, many do not, and both can be fully qualified specialists.
How is a board-certified orthodontist different from one who is only licensed?
Both are qualified specialists. A board-certified orthodontist has additionally submitted completed cases for peer examination, chosen to be held to that external standard, and committed to renewing it over time.
Does board certification have to be renewed?
Yes. It is time-limited and must be renewed periodically, which is part of what makes it a meaningful, ongoing signal rather than a one-time achievement.
