Board-Certified Orthodontist (5 QUICK FACTUALS FOR YOU)
Board-certified indeed. Orthodontists are experts at tooth alignment. They know their stuff and have taken many exams after many years of further education. Jaw alignment and tooth position are all in the remit of these knowledgeable providers. You may think that would be enough, but for these oral warriors, there is more to be done. It is called board certification and its means they are the absolute best of the already best. In this post, we’ll show in a quick fashion what board-certified means and why you benefit as a patient. Let’s get to it.
Contents
What is an Orthodontist Exactly?
An orthodontist is an expert in jaw and tooth alignment. Orthodontics is a specialist practice within the dental industry and is well known for causing pain to countless people with wires and brackets and rubber bands. These days an ortho will correct your teeth with much less pain. They will correct oral problems for adults and children.
Devices and procedures are at the core of orthodontics. Devices such as braces, retainers, and expanders to name but a few. In cases where braces cannot be used to fix dental problems with the face and jaw, an orthodontist may perform orthognathic surgery.
An expert orthodontist will be able to spot issues within the mouth using skill, intuition, and of course X-rays. From there he or she will decide what treatment is most applicable.
- Overbites/Underbites/Crossbites
- Malocclusion
- Sleep Apnea
- Gaps
- Gummy smile
- Overcrowding
- Teeth grinding
- Surgery (e.g., structural realignment of jawbones)
Not to mention common injuries that a human may encounter in daily life. Such injuries include damage to the teeth gums or interior mouth structures due to a congenital condition. Perhaps an accident related to driving or even a head injury by a ball during a sports match.
What is Board-Certified Exactly?
When an ortho is board-certified it means they have taken further steps, more than the already massive amount of training and exams they have done to become an orthodontist. This certification is achieved in a volunteer capacity and is accredited by the ABO (American Board of Orthodontists.)
This certification is achieved in a volunteer capacity
What’s in it for the Orthodontist?
This accreditation means they have shown themselves to be dedicated to their craft. Have agreed to lifelong learning and improvement in the field of orthodontics. They can explain theory and actual skills. Clinical exams are taken and peer-reviewed. They can then receive the haloed certification that sets them apart from the rest of the orthodontic field, which as we mentioned earlier is already mega clever. The end game for all this is better service for you the customer.
What is the Board?
The board is the ABO. The only qualified collective of experts qualified to test the skill levels of orthodontists. Furthermore, the ABO is recognized by the ADA (American Dental Association) and the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists.)
How do I Find One?
There is a fantastic locator tool on the ABO website. If you type in your postal code, you’ll be shown the nearest board-certified orthodontists near you. Note that only 35% of all orthodontists are board-certified.
Conclusion
We understand what it takes to correct oral health issues. Dr. McDermott has all the expertise you could ever need and you can rest assured he has your oral health in mind when treating you.
Whether you want to obtain a full orthodontic perfection or just to cover up crookedness, we can advise you. Get in touch with our orthodontic office today to schedule your first appointment with Dr. McDermott.
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13046 Falcon Drive Baxter, MN 56425 Phone: 218-829-1630

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.