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American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Written Examination
600 questions
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About this exam
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Written Examination is a board-certification assessment for orthodontists who meet the ABO’s eligibility requirements. It evaluates the knowledge needed to diagnose orthodontic problems, develop treatment plans, and make sound clinical decisions; it is not an entrance exam for dental school or an orthodontic residency. Eligibility and application requirements depend on the ABO’s current policies, so candidates should review the official candidate information for the 2027–2028 cycle before planning their application.
Preparation calls for connecting foundational science with clinical judgment rather than memorizing isolated facts. Important review areas include craniofacial growth and development, orthodontic diagnosis using records and cephalometrics, model analysis, occlusion and malocclusion classification, and treatment planning with risk assessment. The exam’s current format, content guidance, and administration details should be confirmed in official ABO materials, since requirements can change. A structured review plan, followed by timed question practice and careful analysis of explanations, can help identify weak areas and improve decision-making.
How to prepare for the ABO Written Examination
- Use the current ABO candidate handbook and official examination guidance to confirm eligibility, application steps, content expectations, and exam logistics for your cycle.
- Build a topic-based review plan covering growth and development, diagnostic records and cephalometrics, model analysis, occlusion, and treatment planning; connect each topic to clinical cases.
- Use timed question practice to check recall and application, then review every explanation and keep a short list of concepts or clinical decisions that need further study.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take the ABO Written Examination?
The examination is for candidates seeking ABO certification who satisfy the Board’s eligibility and application requirements. Requirements can vary by educational pathway and may change, so consult the current ABO candidate information for the applicable cycle.
What is the format of the ABO Written Examination?
It is a written assessment of orthodontic knowledge and clinical judgment. Check the current ABO materials for the exact question format, timing, delivery method, and examination policies; do not rely on older descriptions.
What subjects should I study for the ABO Written Examination?
Review the ABO’s current content guidance, with particular attention to craniofacial growth and development, orthodontic diagnosis and records, cephalometrics, model analysis, occlusion and malocclusion, and treatment planning and risk assessment.