Does Board Certification Matter When Choosing an Orthodontist?

The major criteria used to research orthodontists include education, experience, treatment options and credentials. A question that is often asked is, “Does it matter if an orthodontist is board certified?” Board certification can be a significant credential as it is an extra measure of professional assessment beyond the licensure of an orthodontist. It is however only one of the things you'd want to take into account while selecting your provider.

What Is Board Certification in Orthodontics?

A voluntary professional designation conferred upon an orthodontist following a series of requirements and an examination. Board certification in the U.S. is an assessment of the orthodontist's knowledge and clinical skills in the specialty.

It is a separate certification process from the basic licensing requirements that enable an orthodontist to practice. This is significant because an orthodontist does not always have to be board-certified to legally practise orthodontics.

What Is the Value of Certification to Patients?

So, does it make a difference when there is a board certified orthodontist? It can offer further information regarding a provider's skills and experience.

Board certification means that an orthodontist has gone the extra mile to earn a second credential and to show knowledge and clinical competence through a formal certification program. It could also be a sign of ongoing education and continuing professional development.

But the certification can't be considered as a promise of a treatment result. Each patient is unique and treatment outcomes vary with diagnosis, treatment planning, patient cooperation and compliance and follow-up care.

What Is the Difference Between Board Certification and Licensing?

There is a distinction between licensure and board certification.

The orthodontic license is the equivalent of a medical license, and is granted to a licensed professional that has fulfilled the requirements set forth by the regulatory body by the governing authority. Board certification is another, voluntary orthodontic specialty qualification.

This means that any patient can be treated by an orthodontist that is not board certified. Certification is just another piece of the puzzle for patients to use when assessing providers.

Now What Other Factors Should You Take Into Account?

While board certification is great information, it shouldn't be the only factor used when selecting your orthodontist. Additional factors to take into account include:

• The location of where the orthodontist attended school and his or her orthodontic specialty training.
• They have an understanding of the various orthodontic procedures
• The methods they offer to treat them
• The extent to which they clearly explain diagnosis and treatment plans
• The techniques and testing methods employed
• Feedback from patients and experience.
• The ease of access and convenience in the Office.

For instance, if a person is thinking about braces they might want to ask the orthodontist how he or she assesses bite alignment, how he or she monitors the progress of the treatment, and when adjustments are required.

So, How Do You Know If Your Orthodontist Is Qualified?

Patients may want to inquire from an orthodontist about their qualifications, specialty training, licensure, professional memberships and certifications. You can also check the credentials of professionals with the proper dental or orthodontic professional licensing organizations.

When looking for an orthodontist, think about their entire training, experience and treatment philosophy as well as the way they communicate. This can help you to find out if the provider is right for you.

The Bottom Line

In the end, is it important if an orthodontist is a board certified orthodontist? Yes, it can be a factor in an educated decision. Board certification is another professional distinction that is given on a voluntary basis and is not a replacement for education, experience, treatment approach, communication, or other factors.

Along with these factors, patients who are researching orthodontic care should take into account board certification as well and make a more informed orthodontic treatment decision.

Adam Mike is the author of this article. To know more about How much does Invisalign cost in Rochester NY? please visit our website: rochesterfamilyorthodontics.com