The College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics was
founded in 1979 with the following purposes:
- to encourage professional development among orthodontists
- to provide a forum for board certified orthodontists to interact scientifically and socially
- to encourage orthodontists to become board-certified, and
- to educate the public and the dental profession on the benefits of board certification.
To address these goals, the College:
- provides family-oriented, continuing education meetings to enhance the quality of orthodontic
care available to the public. The College holds an Annual Session where members and nonmembers
may attend educational sessions. A board-eligible orthodontist may come as a guest
of a College member (at the member registration rate). Registration material will be mailed to
members and posted on the Web site www.cdabo.org in March of each year. Check the Web
site for specific locations and sessions offered.
- through its Mentor Program, helps board-eligible orthodontists become board-certified.
Contact the Mentor Program committee chair for assistance.
- publishes A Step Beyond brochure to explain the meaning of being a diplomate to patients
and parents. Board certified orthodontists may order these brochures through The College by
calling 636-922-5551.
- hosts a preparatory course for the ABO written examination as needed. Check with The
College office for the next available course at 636-922-5551.
- conducts seminars at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) meeting each year to
help candidates prepare for the American Board of Orthodontics clinical examination, and
encourages the constituent societies to offer similar seminars and breakfasts or luncheons at
their fall meetings.
- hosts a luncheon at the AAO Annual Session to recognize current and new diplomates, also
disseminate information about board certification to non-certified orthodontists.
- hosts a case display room at the AAO Annual Session where residents present their best
cases in an ABO format. Space permitting, the American Journal of Orthodontics publishes the
best two cases presented.
- publishes The Diplomate newsletter twice a year for CDABO members.
