Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2021 - 13

PCSO News and Events
ABO Report
American Board of Orthodontics
(ABO) Yearly Update
The ABO is committed to upholding our mission
to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the
public by promoting excellence through certification,
education, and professional collaboration.
Written Examination Update
Dr. Jae Hyun Park was recently appointed as the
ABO Written Examination Committee Chair.
Dr. Jae Hyun Park
Director, American Board of
Orthodontics
The ABO written examination was administered
to 408 examinees on April 6, 2021, at testing centers
in the United States and Canada. It is a comprehensive
exam that assesses the examinee's
knowledge of basic science and clinical concepts
based on criterion-referenced testing and is composed
of 240 multiple-choice questions divided
into four modules on subject areas outlined by
the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
The 2022 written examination will be held on
April 5, with registration opening in November
2021. An important reminder: once this examination
is successfully completed, it does not
expire. Requirements, eligibility, and examination
resources are all located on the ABO website.
Clinical Examination Update
The ABO conducted clinical examinations in February
and November 2020 and February and July
2021. The originally scheduled July 2020 clinical
examination was canceled due to COVID-19, with
examinees having the opportunity to transfer
to future examination dates. Listings by constituency
for all examinations are located on the
ABO website (https://www.americanboardortho.
com/orthodontic-professionals/about-boardcertification/exam-dates-fees-and-registration/).
An
additional examination will be administered
in November 2021. Registration for both the
February and October 2022 clinical examinations
are now open.
Interest and demand in the scenario-based clinical
examination continues to be solid, with most
examinations reaching full capacity. Examinations
take place at testing centers worldwide,
Study guides, sample cases, and preparation
materials are continuously updated as valuable
resources for those wanting to take the examination
and are located on the ABO website.
Complete details on how to register for upcoming
exams can also be found on the website.
The ABO is proud to announce that board-certified
orthodontists now represent 54% of American
Association of Orthodontists (AAO) membership.
Certification Renewal
The ABO continues to focus on board-certified
orthodontists whose certification is scheduled to
expire within the next three years. Emails, letters,
and creative mailed pieces will be distributed
throughout the year as a reminder to recertify.
Certification renewal is required every 10 years to
maintain an active board certification status and
may be started no earlier than 36 months prior to
the expiration date printed on the individual's certification.
Two options are available, which include
completion of one online board case examination
or a mail-in case report examination; both
options also require the completion of continuing
education credits from four online American Journal
of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
examinations. Additional information may also be
found on the ABO website.
Educational Update
In July 2021, the ABO conducted an examination
item writing session in St. Louis where guest
item-writers were tasked to build questions and
answers for upcoming scenario-based clinical
examinations.
The ABO is pleased to introduce a new video, " It
Takes a Specialist, " on the importance of using a
qualified professional. This resource was designed
with travel to St. Louis no longer required. Examination
components and testing criteria have not
changed with the only accommodation made on
how answers are submitted. The examinations
continue to be scored by multiple ABO examiners.
Fall 2021 PCSO Bulletin
13

https://www.americanboardortho.com/orthodontic-professionals/about-board-certification/exam-dates-fees-and-redistration/

Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2021