American Board of Orthodontics

This is my first report to the membership of the GLAO since I was appointed to replace Michael L. Riolo as the ABO Director from our Constituency.  Since my appointment, I have been busy, as the “learning curve” is large, and the assignments have been constant.  I knew that the commitment would be difficult and challenging, which it has proven to be, but I did not realize the scope of the endeavor.  It has been through the acceptance, help, support and understanding of the other members of the ABO Board of Directors, the excellent staff of the ABO and the support of my fellow GLAO members that, thus far, this has been possible.  Without Mike Riolo as my mentor, this would be an impossible task.

“A Change in the Certification Process” was completed and submitted by the ABO Board of Directors to the AJODO, and it was published in the March 2005 issue.  The Board in July completed for submission, “The New ABO Certification Process:  Further Clarification” which will be published in an up0coming issue of the AJODO.

New President

During the 105^th AAO Annual Session in San Francisco, the ABO installed Dr. S. Ed Owens of Jackson, WY as President.  Dr. Michael L. Riolo stepped down as President to the position of Past President.

Our Past President/GLAO Member Dr. Michael L. Riolo

A special “thank you” to Mike for an exemplary job as President and Director of the ABO representing the GLAO and orthodontics.  For eight years, he has provided the needed leadership necessary to be a contributing member to the ABO.  He has represented himself, his profession and the GLAO with integrity and in the highest ethical manner.  I know that he has established close relationships with other members of the ABO, both past and present, and is respected by all of them.  In collegiality with the other members of the Board, Mike has helped establish a “new path” that will enliven and increase membership while maintaining the original mission of the ABO.  He has committed himself to maintaining the professional competency of orthodontists and has accepted the responsibility to ensure the highest level of professional care given by orthodontists to the public.

I would like to personally thank Mike for introducing me to the members of the ABO Board and for his help during this transition period.  It is as much a transition for him as he represents us as Immediate Past President of the ABO.  I know that Mike will always be available to help me, answer my many questions and give me the support I will need to be an effective Director of the ABO.

2005 Phase II Written Exam

The 2005 Phase II written examination was given on Friday, May 20, 2005 in San Francisco.  Three hundred and forty-six candidates took the Phase II examination and 304 passed which represents a pass rate of 88%.

Computerized Phase II Written Exam in 2007

The ABO will begin giving the Phase I written examination via computer at Pearson Centers nationwide.  The AAO supports this change, and a recent student poll showed that 2 to 1 students preferred to take the written examination by computer near their hometown.  Presently, 23 medical boards, 3 dental boards and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing are using computerized examinations and utilizing Pearson Centers.  Having the examinations taken at Pearson Centers will answer and resolve our various security concerns.

Ketcham Memorial Award

The Board will honor Dr. Herbert Klontz in New Orleans as the recipient of the 2006 Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award.

Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence

Revised in 2004, the Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence is bestowed by the Board in memory of the late Dr. Dale B. Wade, expert clinician, teacher and former Chairman of The Ohio State University Department of Orthodontics.  The award honors an exemplary senior clinician who demonstrates exceptional dedication to orthodontics through clinical excellence and/or devoted teaching in the image of Dr. Wade.  The 2006 Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics will be given to:  Drs. Richard Aubrey (posthumous), James Baldwin and Edward Genocov.

Earl E. and Wilma Shepard Distinguished Service Award

Revised in 2004, the Earl E. and Wilma Shepard Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual for outstanding dedication and advancement of the ideals and mission of the American Board of Orthodontics.  Dr. Shepard was the first Executive Director of the ABO.  The Shepard’s dedicated a significant portion of their lives and efforts toward fulfilling the goals of the Board.  The 2006 Earl E. and Wilma Shepard Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Dr. George D. Selfridge who served as the ABO Executive Director from 1987-1997.

Clarification of the Criteria for First Recertification Exam

After accepting the Gateway offer, the Diplomate must take the First Recertification Examination within five (5) years.  This exam requires a six-case presentation consisting of three (3) cases with a DI of at least 10 and three (3) cases with a DI of at least 20.  In addition, the case presentation must contain:

a.      No more than one (1) case treated with orthognathic surgery s;

b.     At least one (1) non-surgical case treated with four (4) quadrant extractions that demonstrates effective space closure;

c.      At least one (1) non-surgical case with a bilateral or unilateral full-step Class II malocclusion corrected to a Class I molar and canine relationship.

Gateway Offer is Not “selling” Certification

The certification process is not a “buy it” certification.  It is a fresh attempt to engage as many orthodontists as possible in the Boarding process and to motivate them to be Boarded.  Quality will be stressed, and through this quality, the strength of the specialty increases.  Service to the public is enhanced and reinforced in a true “win-win” situation.

When application for the “Gateway Offer” is made and accepted, the fee includes and covers the immediate administration costs as well as the future examination cost when the candidate returns for the First Recertification Exam.  If the orthodontist applicant does not return for the recertification exam, the fee is forfeited.  This fee arrangement should be one more incentive for each applying orthodontist to proceed with the First Recertification Examination.

Since its inception in March 2005, the “Gateway Offer” has generated 480 new Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics.  The Gateway Offer” is a one-time offer and expires on July 1, 2007.

Educators’ Symposium

On October 8, 2005, the ABO has invited two educators from each accredited orthodontic program to a symposium to be held at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel.  Approximately 100 to 150 educators are expected to be in attendance.  The ABO will assist the educators in understanding the preparation of cases for the ABO Clinical Examination with regard to the newly announced changes in the Board Certification Process.

Question-Writing Website for Educators

A special website has been developed to allow accredited orthodontic residency faculty members to submit ten questions per eyar to be considered for inclusion in the Phase ** Written Examination.  This will enlarge and enhance the number of questions considered for the written examination.  The ABO will, in the future, present information regarding participating faculty members and programs, number of questions submitted and their future use.

ABO Website

All candidates affiliated with the ABO have an ID number and a password that allows online editing of their personal demographic information.  All Diplomates also have an ID number and password that allows entry into “professional” areas of the website.  You may also pay your annual dues online with a credit card.

2005 – 2006 Board of Directors

Dr. S. Ed Owens               President & RMSO Director

Dr. Vance J. Dykhouse       Pres.-Elect & MWSO Director

Dr. Allen Moffitt                  Sec./Treas. & SAO Director

Dr. John E. Grubb                PCSO Director

Dr. Peter M. Greco              MASO Director

Dr. Jeryl D. English              SWSO Director

Dr. Barry S. Briss                NESO Director

Dr. Scott A. Jamieson          GLAO Director

Dr. Michael L. Riolo              Immediate Past President

THE AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS

401 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 308

St. LouisMO  63141

Phone:  314/432-6130           Fax:  314/432-8170

e-mail:  info@americanboardortho.com

Website:  www.americanboardortho.com