Board Certified Orthodontist in Gurnee, IL
At Honey Orthodontics in Gurnee, IL, Dr. Oana Honey is committed to delivering the highest standard of orthodontic care. As a board-certified orthodontist, she has completed advanced training and a rigorous certification process that goes beyond standard requirements, giving patients confidence in the quality of their treatment.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. While all orthodontists must be licensed to practice, not all pursue board certification. Becoming a board-certified orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is a voluntary achievement that represents an additional level of expertise. This process goes beyond the required 2–3 years of specialty training after dental school.
To earn board certification, an orthodontist must:
- Submit detailed case reports demonstrating real patient outcomes
- Show proven clinical skills across a wide range of orthodontic cases
- Complete a thorough evaluation by a panel of expert examiners
- Demonstrate strong knowledge, judgment, and treatment planning ability
How Many Certifying Boards Are Recognized in Orthodontics?
There is only one recognized certifying board in orthodontics: American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Founded in 1929, the ABO is the oldest specialty board in dentistry and is recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Its mission is to:
- Elevate the quality of orthodontic care
- Promote excellence through certification
- Encourage continued education and professional development
Why Choose a Board Certified Orthodontist?
Board certification reflects a higher level of commitment to patient care and professional excellence. Orthodontists who complete this process demonstrate:
- A commitment to advanced clinical standards
- Ongoing education in the latest orthodontic techniques
- Proven ability to treat a variety of complex cases
- Dedication to delivering consistent, high-quality results
For patients, this means greater confidence knowing your orthodontist has been evaluated beyond standard licensing requirements.
What Is Required to Become Board Certified?
The certification process is comprehensive and designed to ensure the highest level of care. It includes:
1. Written Examination
- A 240-question exam covering all areas of orthodontic knowledge
2. Clinical Case Review
- Submission of detailed patient cases
- Demonstration of successful treatment outcomes
3. Oral Examination
- In-depth discussion with a panel of examiners
- Evaluation of clinical decision-making and expertise
Once completed, certification is granted for a limited time period.
Maintaining Board Certification
Board certification is not permanent. To maintain status, orthodontists must:
- Renew certification every 10 years
- Demonstrate continued excellence in patient care
- Stay current with advancements in orthodontics
Committed to Excellence in Orthodontic Care
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist means choosing a provider who has gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional care. At Honey Orthodontics in Gurnee, IL, Dr. Honey’s commitment to advanced training and ongoing education ensures every patient receives personalized, high-quality treatment.