Board Certification

Dr. Karlin is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics

Only dentists who have completed an advanced education program in orthodontics approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association are eligible to apply for certification. The certification process involves both a written evaluation and a clinical evaluation. While board certification requires a lot of extra work, it lets patients know that their orthodontist is dedicated to providing them the highest level of care possible. Upon certification the orthodontist earns the certificate of the Board and the title "Diplomate of The American Board of Orthodontics" signifying the highest plateau of attainment in education, evaluation, excellence, and ethics.

The American Board of Orthodontics

The American Board of Orthodontics was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The original objectives of the ABO were stated in the charter of incorporation "to elevate the standards of the practice of orthodontia; to familiarize the public with its aims and ideals; to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners.

The mission of The American Board of Orthodontics is to establish and maintain the highest standards of clinical excellence in orthodontics. In its mission statement, the Board clearly defines four objectives:

1. To evaluate the knowledge and clinical competency of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs.
2. To re-evaluate clinical competency throughout a Diplomate's career through recertification.
3. To contribute to the development of quality graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics.
4. To contribute to certification expertise throughout the world.

The certificate issued by the Board was then, and has continued to signify, a certification of attainment. It does not confer any legal qualification, privilege, or license to practice orthodontics. It is not a professional or academic degree. In essence, Board certification is a process by which an individual orthodontist is voluntarily examined by his/her peers as to orthodontic knowledge and clinical skills. The passage of the examination process is a demonstration to the dental profession and the general public of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.