What Does It Mean to Be a Board-Certified Orthodontist - and Why It Matters for Westlake Families
If you’ve been researching orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, you’ve probably noticed that credentials can be confusing.
One credential worth understanding is board certification. And if you ask Dr. Deanna what board-certified orthodontist means to her, she’ll tell you with a smile:
“It means I said, ‘Sure, give me more exams,’ and somehow meant it.” 🙂
While all orthodontists complete advanced training beyond dental school, board certification is an additional, voluntary step that reflects a commitment to expert-level care, comprehensive treatment planning, and results built to last.
What Is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
A board-certified orthodontist is an orthodontic specialist who has earned certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)—a respected credential in the profession.
As Dr. Deanna puts it:
“It means going beyond straight teeth and holding my work to expert-level care.”
What Does an Orthodontist Have to Do to Become Board Certified?
Board certification isn’t automatic—it’s earned through a rigorous process designed to evaluate both orthodontic knowledge and clinical outcomes.
While exact steps can vary, board certification typically includes:
Demonstrating mastery of orthodontic science and clinical decision-making
Completing comprehensive examinations
Presenting real patient cases and outcomes for evaluation
For Dr. Deanna, the most demanding part was:
“Meticulously documenting and defending real patient cases from start to finish.”
That process matters because it’s rooted in real-world treatment—not theory alone.
Why Board Certification Matters for Patients
For families, board certification isn’t about a title. It’s about what that mindset and evaluation often reflect in daily care.
It supports a more comprehensive approach
Orthodontics is more than straightening teeth. It’s also about how your bite functions, how stable the results will be, and how the smile fits your face over time.
Dr. Deanna explains her planning approach this way:
“I think comprehensively about function, stability, and facial balance—not just straight teeth.”
It emphasizes long-term stability
A great smile isn’t just cosmetic. Long-term comfort and function matter.
In her words:
“Straight teeth are cosmetic, but a healthy bite ensures comfort, function, and results that last.”
It’s often about the small things that patients can’t see
The best orthodontic outcomes come from details most people never notice—until years later.
One example Dr. Deanna shared:
“Proper root positioning, which patients can’t see but is critical for stability and gum health.”
It reflects continuous learning
Board-certified orthodontists commonly maintain a strong commitment to staying current with best practices.
As Dr. Deanna notes:
“I am up to date with continuing education courses and new advances in orthodontic care.”
What Board Certification Means for Your Care at Smiles of Westlake
At Smiles of Westlake Orthodontics, our goal is to provide orthodontic care that is not only efficient and aesthetic—but also thoughtful, stable, and truly personalized.
That includes:
Treatment planning focused on function and long-term stability
Attention to details like root positioning and bite balance
A clear plan that fits your goals, your timeline, and your lifestyle
And just as importantly, it’s about who is guiding the treatment.
When families are comparing orthodontic offices, Dr. Deanna says she wishes they’d look for:
“Training, and whether the doctor personally plans and monitors each case.”
Is Every Orthodontist Board Certified?
No.
But if you’re comparing options and want an extra indicator of professional commitment and clinical evaluation, board certification is a reasonable factor to consider—and a fair question to ask during a consultation.
What Should Families Ask During a Consultation?
If you’re choosing an orthodontist for your child (or yourself), here are a few helpful questions:
Who designs the treatment plan?
How often does the orthodontist personally check progress?
What’s the plan to support long-term stability after treatment?
How do you evaluate bite function?
Dr. Deanna’s goal after a first visit is simple:
“Confident, informed, and reassured that their care is truly personalized.”
Meet Dr. Deanna Pandolfo
For Dr. Deanna, board certification is ultimately about a promise to patients:
“For me, board certification matters because… it reflects my promise to provide the highest level of orthodontic care to every patient.”
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment and want clear answers about your options, we’d love to help you feel informed and confident from the start.
Schedule a free orthodontic consultation to meet our team, ask questions, and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is board certification required to be an orthodontist?
No. Orthodontists are specialists who complete dental school and additional orthodontic training. Board certification is a voluntary, additional credential.
What does board certification mean for my results?
Board certification reflects a higher level of professional evaluation and often aligns with comprehensive planning focused on long-term stability, function, and facial balance—not just straight teeth.
What’s an example of a “small detail” that affects orthodontic stability?
Root positioning is one example—patients may not notice it during treatment, but it can impact long-term stability and gum health.
Is a healthy bite different from straight teeth?
Yes. Straight teeth are cosmetic, while a healthy bite supports comfort, function, and results that last.
What should I look for when comparing orthodontic offices?
Consider the doctor’s training and whether the orthodontist personally plans and monitors each case.