American Board of Orthodontics

Founded in 1929, the American Board of Orthodontics is the oldest specialty board in the field of dentistry. The founders, Dr. Albert Ketcham and his colleagues, wished to establish a certifying body in order to "to elevate the standards of the practice of orthodontia; to familiarize the public with its aims and ideals; and to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners."

Board certification is a process by which an individual orthodontist elects to have his or her orthodontic knowledge and clinical skills examined by peers in this specialty of dentistry. To pass the examination is to display an orthodontist's proficiency and continued pursuit of excellence in orthodontics.

The American Board of Orthodontics' mission is to establish and uphold the highest standards of clinical merit in orthodontics.