What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a licensed specialist who, in addition to completing dental school and receiving a DDS degree (Doctor of Dental Surgery), also completed an additional 2 to 3 years of training in an accredited graduate orthodontics program. Orthodontics is the area of dentistry focused on correcting the alignment and fit of the teeth as well as the growth of the face and jaws. An orthodontist is the professional most qualified to provide orthodontic treatment. In addition to the education required to be an orthodontist, the state of Michigan requires an orthodontist to have a dental license and a specialty license. Obtaining the specialty license requires the orthodontist to sit for the written American Board of Orthodontics examination and take a state clinical examination. Someone who practices as a general dentist is permitted to offer orthodontic services, however, they do not have the additional training nor the license to represent themselves as an "orthodontist."
What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
A board certified orthodontist is an orthodontist who has voluntarily gone through hundreds of additional hours of preparation to demonstrate their judgment, skills and knowledge required for providing the highest level of patient care. They have achieved board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontists.
Achieving board certification is the last step in a long and intensive educational experience to ultimately provide excellent patient care.
It takes dedication to make it to the top.
Dr. Driscoll has this dedication and is a Board Certified Orthodontist.
Why Choose a Board Certified Orthodontist?
Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth. Orthodontists understand the complexity of growth development and facial form. Treatment plans include issues related to the jaw and bite, not just movement of teeth. There’s a reason orthodontists go to additional years of highly competitive orthodontic school – to learn and perfect their ability in the specialty. A general dentist is ideal for providing regular oral health check-ups, comparable to your family doctor. Many dentists offer orthodontic treatment plans, but have not been trained or educated in the area.
A board certified orthodontist is committed to the highest level of patient care including a comprehensive treatment approach to ensure quality work. And board certified orthodontists must renew their certification every 10 years to demonstrate their continuous commitment to excellence.
Dr. Driscoll's Michigan Board of Dentistry Specialty Orthodontist license # is 2901017515