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American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Clinical Examination
600 questions
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About this exam
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Clinical Examination is part of the board-certification process for orthodontists in the United States; it is not an entrance exam for dental school or an orthodontic residency. It assesses how candidates diagnose malocclusions, plan and carry out treatment, and evaluate clinical outcomes. The examination is case-based, with attention to the records and evidence candidates provide. Exact eligibility requirements, submission procedures, and examination components can change, so candidates should consult the ABO’s current certification materials for the 2027–2028 cycle.
Preparation centers on connecting orthodontic records to sound clinical decisions. Review skeletal and dental relationships, malocclusion classification, cephalometric analysis, growth assessment, and the ABO Discrepancy Index, along with treatment planning and outcome evaluation. Candidates should be ready to explain why a diagnosis and treatment approach fit the case, and to assess results using complete, well-organized records. This is not simply a multiple-choice knowledge test: case documentation, clinical reasoning, and familiarity with the current ABO case-report requirements are important parts of preparation.
How to prepare for the ABO Clinical Examination
- Use the current ABO certification guide to confirm eligibility, required case-report components, record specifications, deadlines, and any oral or review procedures for your examination cycle.
- Review diagnostic data systematically: practice relating clinical photographs, radiographs, models or digital casts, cephalometric measurements, growth assessment, and the Discrepancy Index to your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Rehearse explaining completed cases from initial records through treatment goals and outcomes. Use timed case reviews or occasional MCQ practice to check foundational knowledge, but prioritize clinical reasoning and complete, accurate documentation.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take the ABO Clinical Examination?
The examination is for orthodontists pursuing American Board of Orthodontics certification. Eligibility depends on the ABO’s current requirements, including the applicable orthodontic education and certification steps. Check the current ABO guide to confirm your pathway and any cycle-specific requirements.
What is the format of the ABO Clinical Examination?
It is a case-based assessment centered on orthodontic clinical records and treatment outcomes, rather than a conventional multiple-choice exam. Submission and review procedures, including any oral component, are set out in the ABO’s current examination materials and may vary by cycle.
What should I study for the ABO Clinical Examination?
Focus on orthodontic diagnosis, skeletal and dental relationships, malocclusion classification, cephalometric analysis, growth assessment, the Discrepancy Index, treatment planning, and evaluation of outcomes. Also study the current ABO requirements for preparing and presenting case records.