Why Board Certification Matters When Choosing an Orthodontist in Mount Laurel, NJ

Not all orthodontists are board certified — fewer than 1 in 3 nationwide have completed this voluntary, rigorous credential through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). At Amazing Brace Orthodontics in Mount Laurel, Dr. Tish Henderson is board certified, meaning South Jersey families get a specialist who has proven her clinical skill against the highest standard in the field.

What Does "Board Certified Orthodontist" Actually Mean?

Every orthodontist in New Jersey must be a licensed dentist who completed an accredited orthodontic residency. That's the legal minimum. Board certification is different — it's an optional, additional step that only a fraction of orthodontists choose to pursue.

To become board certified, an orthodontist must pass a written exam covering the full scope of orthodontic knowledge, then succefally pass a clinical exam. It's a direct evaluation of actual treatment outcomes, not just classroom learning. Certification isn't permanent either. Board-certified orthodontists must renew every 10 years to prove they're still meeting current standards of care.

Why So Few Orthodontists Complete It

The process is time-consuming, detailed, and entirely voluntary, which is exactly why it matters. An orthodontist doesn't need it to practice or to advertise as an "orthodontist." Choosing to pursue certification signals something about how a doctor thinks about their own work: that meeting the minimum isn't good enough.

What This Means for Your Family

A board-certified orthodontist has demonstrated, with documented case results, the ability to diagnose complex bite issues, plan treatment accurately, and deliver consistent outcomes — whether that's early interceptive treatment for a 7-year-old or Invisalign for a busy teenager. Given that orthodontic treatment is a multi-year investment in your child's (or your own) smile, that level of verified expertise carries real weight.

A Word From Your OrthodonTish

When I decided to pursue board certification, it wasn't because I had to. It's because I wanted my patients and their families to know exactly what they were getting when they walked into my office. The certification process pushed me to be more precise, more consistent, and more accountable to the standard of care I hold myself to every day. When a parent sits down with me for a consultation, I want them to feel confident that my recommendations are backed by that level of scrutiny, not just my opinion, but a credential I've had to earn and re-earn. That's the kind of care I built my practice around.

—— Dr. Tish Henderson, Board-Certified Orthodontist, Amazing Brace Orthodontics, Mount Laurel, NJ

Questions to Ask Before You Choose an Orthodontist

If you're comparing providers in South Jersey, the American Board of Orthodontics recommends asking directly:

• Are you board certified by the ABO?
• Do you personally perform the hands-on treatment, or does staff handle it?
• What's your specific treatment plan, and what are the alternatives?

A confident, transparent answer is a good sign. Hesitation is worth noting.

FAQ: Board Certification for Orthodontists

Is a board-certified orthodontist better than a non-certified one? Board certification doesn't guarantee a bad outcome from a non-certified orthodontist, but it does provide independently verified proof of clinical skill through peer review of real patient cases — a level of scrutiny that licensing alone doesn't require.

Is "board eligible" the same as board certified? No. The ABO does not recognize "board eligible" as an official credential. An orthodontist is either currently board certified or not; there's no in-between status.

How often does a board-certified orthodontist have to recertify? Every 10 years. This ensures certified orthodontists stay current with evolving techniques, technology, and clinical standards rather than resting on a credential earned decades ago.

Does board certification cost patients more? No. Board certification reflects the orthodontist's training and process, not their pricing structure. Amazing Brace Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans regardless of credential..

Where is Amazing Brace Orthodontics located? Our office is at 4200 Dearborn Circle, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, serving families throughout Mount Laurel, Marlton, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, and the greater South Jersey area. Call (856) 242-2126 to schedule.

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If you're in Mount Laurel or nearby South Jersey towns, Amazing Brace Orthodontics offers a free consultation that includes a digital scan, an exam with Dr. Tish, and a clear, no-pressure treatment plan. Learn more about our approach to braces treatment or read our story to see why local families trust our practice

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