Diplomate Active License Policy

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) requires Diplomates to maintain an active license to practice dentistry in at least one state, commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States or the country in which the Diplomate resides, unless the Diplomate has been placed on retired status with the ABO. For all non-retired Diplomates, an active license must be maintained even if a Diplomate is out of the country (or his/her country of residence) for an extended period of time.

The ABO also requires Diplomates to notify the ABO’s Chief Executive Officer in writing within 30 calendar days of a Diplomate being notified that his/her license to practice dentistry or orthodontics in any state, commonwealth, territory or possession has been suspended or revoked for any reason.

Pursuant to the ABO’s Disciplinary Policy and Procedures, the ABO will automatically revoke a Diplomate’s certification if the ABO learns that the Diplomate’s license to practice dentistry or orthodontics was suspended or terminated due to behavior that is, in the view of the ABO, related to orthodontic practice. The ABO may, at its discretion, suspend or revoke a Diplomate’s certification if the ABO determines that a Diplomate’s license to practice dentistry or orthodontics was suspended or revoked regardless of whether the suspension or revocation relates to orthodontic practice. Failure of a Diplomate to notify the ABO in a timely fashion that his/her license to practice dentistry or orthodontics in any state, commonwealth, territory or possession was suspended or revoked may constitute irregular behavior subject to discipline under the ABO’s Disciplinary Policy and Procedures.