The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) recently met with representatives from the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics and the Association of Philippine Orthodontists to discuss the board-certification process for orthodontists in Brazil and the Philippines.
The meeting came as part of the ABO’s mission to assist other countries around the world with board certification for the orthodontic specialty.
“These meetings provided all three organizations with an excellent learning opportunity,” said Jeryl English (pictured, right), DDS, MS, the immediate past president of the ABO. “The ABO will continue to assist other orthodontic certifying boards whenever requested. Ultimately, orthodontic patients will benefit as the number of board-certified orthodontists increases all over the world. The ABO believes that an orthodontist is a much better practitioner if board certified and must recertify periodically.”
The orthodontists discussed board-certification issues, including protection of the public, how to prevent examination fraud, record-keeping practices, exam question issues, and digital records. They also discussed the possibility of a world board of orthodontics.
“However, it was acknowledged at these meetings that a universal specialty board is not a realistic objective at this time, and even reciprocity between board organizations is not practical, as there are no standards for educational requirements, the specifics of board eligibility or board requirements,” added English.
