Dr. Todd M. Bennett is Board Certified, and holds Diplomate status with The American Board of Orthodontics. This is a distinction that less than 50 percent of American orthodontists achieve.
Requirements Set by The American Board of Orthodontics
To become Board Certified and a Diplomate, an orthodontist must meet four requirements set by The American Board of Orthodontics:
- Graduate from an American Dental Association-accredited orthodontic institution
- Successfully complete a written examination given by the Board
- Present completed cases to demonstrate his or her clinical competency
- Continually maintain his or her skills in diagnosing and treating patients, demonstrated by periodic re-evaluation and presenting patient records
Written and Clinical Examinations
The written exam is a comprehensive test that explores the entire orthodontic curriculum. This exam covers every phase of orthodontic care, and to prepare, most orthodontists review their entire advanced specialty course of study.
The clinical exam is comprised of an oral examination as well as case presentations. The oral portion consists of the orthodontist diagnosing and providing a treatment plan based on records of a hypothetical patient, which is provided by the Board. When presenting his or her own cases, the orthodontist is to provide a detailed report, including a written summary of the history, diagnosis, treatment and final results, documented with radiographs, photographs and casts made before and after treatment.
Recertification
Once an orthodontist has obtained board certification and Diplomate status, recertification is mandatory in order to maintain his or her skills and knowledge. The orthodontist must pass thorough re-examinations which are scheduled throughout his or her career.