You found an orthodontist with great reviews and a convenient location. But how do you know they’re actually qualified to move your teeth? Here’s the short answer: To check orthodontist credentials, you need to verify three things: an active state dental license, membership in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and preferably board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). All three are publicly searchable online. This guide walks you through each step, provides links for every state dental board, and explains what to look for.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to spot a qualified specialist—and how to avoid general dentists posing as orthodontists.
Why You Must Verify Credentials Before Treatment
Not everyone who offers braces is an orthodontist. Here’s the difference.
The Training Gap
| Provider Type | Education | Orthodontic Training |
| General Dentist | 4 years dental school | Zero required |
| Orthodontist | 4 years dental school + 2–3 years residency | 2–3 years full-time |
| Board-Certified Orthodontist | Same as orthodontist + passed ABO exams | 2–3 years + voluntary certification |
Barss Smile: General dentists can legally place braces in all 50 states with no formal orthodontic residency. Weekend courses do not equal 2–3 years of specialty training.
Real Risks of Choosing an Unqualified Provider
- Root resorption (permanent shortening of tooth roots)
- Worsened bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite left uncorrected)
- Gum recession from incorrect force application
- Prolonged treatment (3–4 years instead of 18–24 months)
- Relapse (teeth shift back after treatment ends)
Verifying credentials takes 10 minutes. Fixing a bad orthodontic job takes thousands of dollars and years of additional treatment.
Step 1: Verify State Dental Board License
Every orthodontist must hold an active license in the state where they practice. Checking this is free and takes two minutes.
What to Look For
- Active status – License must be current, not expired or inactive
- No disciplinary actions – Look for any history of suspensions, probations, or license restrictions
- Correct name – Verify the orthodontist’s full name matches your provider
How to Search
- Go to your state dental board website (full list below)
- Enter the orthodontist’s name or license number
- Check for active status and any disciplinary history
All 50 State Dental Board License Lookup Links
| State | Board Website | Search Type |
| Alabama | Alabama Board of Dental Examiners | License lookup |
| Alaska | Alaska Board of Dental Examiners | License verification |
| Arizona | Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners | License search |
| Arkansas | Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners | License lookup |
| California | Dental Board of California | License search |
| Colorado | Colorado Dental Board | License verification |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Dental Commission | License lookup |
| Delaware | Delaware Board of Dentistry | License search |
| Florida | Florida Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| Georgia | Georgia Board of Dentistry | License lookup |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Board of Dental Examiners | License search |
| Idaho | Idaho Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation | License lookup |
| Indiana | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency | License search |
| Iowa | Iowa Dental Board | License verification |
| Kansas | Kansas Dental Board | License lookup |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Board of Dentistry | License search |
| Louisiana | Louisiana State Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| Maine | Maine Board of Dental Practice | License lookup |
| Maryland | Maryland Board of Dental Examiners | License search |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry | License verification |
| Michigan | Michigan Board of Dentistry | License lookup |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Board of Dentistry | License search |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Board of Dental Examiners | License verification |
| Missouri | Missouri Dental Board | License lookup |
| Montana | Montana Board of Dentistry | License search |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| Nevada | Nevada Board of Dental Examiners | License lookup |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners | License search |
| New Jersey | New Jersey State Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care | License lookup |
| New York | New York State Board of Dentistry | License search |
| North Carolina | North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners | License verification |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners | License lookup |
| Ohio | Ohio State Dental Board | License search |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| Oregon | Oregon Board of Dentistry | License lookup |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry | License search |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry | License verification |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Board of Dentistry | License lookup |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Board of Dentistry | License search |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| Texas | Texas State Board of Dental Examiners | License lookup |
| Utah | Utah Division of Professional Licensing | License search |
| Vermont | Vermont Board of Dental Examiners | License verification |
| Virginia | Virginia Board of Dentistry | License lookup |
| Washington | Washington State Dental Commission | License search |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Board of Dentistry | License verification |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board | License lookup |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners | License search |
Note: Some states require you to select “Dentist” or “Dental License” from a dropdown menu. If you have the license number, use that for the most accurate search.
Step 2: Verify AAO Membership
The American Association of Orthodontists only admits specialists who have completed accredited orthodontic residencies. AAO membership is the simplest way to confirm someone is an orthodontist, not a general dentist.
What AAO Membership Means
- Completed 2–3 years of orthodontic residency after dental school
- Committed to continuing education
- Bound by AAO ethical standards
How to Check AAO Membership
Search the AAO “Find an Orthodontist” directory. If the provider appears, they are a current AAO member. If they don’t appear, they are either not an orthodontist or have let their membership lapse.
What If My Orthodontist Isn’t in the AAO Directory?
Some qualified orthodontists choose not to maintain AAO membership. However, this is uncommon. If they’re not listed:
- Ask them directly about their training
- Verify their state dental license shows an orthodontic specialty (some states list this)
- Ask why they are not an AAO member
Step 3: Verify ABO Board Certification (Gold Standard)
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) diplomate credential is voluntary—but it’s the gold standard. Board-certified orthodontists have passed written and clinical exams proving their expertise.
What Board Certification Means
- Completed an accredited orthodontic residency
- Passed rigorous written and clinical examinations
- Committed to ongoing recertification
How to Check ABO Certification
Search the ABO “Find a Diplomate” directory. Enter the orthodontist’s name and location.
ABO Certification Levels
| Level | Meaning |
| Board Certified (Diplomate) | Passed all exams within the last 10 years |
| Time-Limited | Certification expires on a specific date (requires recertification) |
| Non-Certified | Never completed or did not maintain board certification |
Always look for active board certification, not an expired one.
Credentials Comparison: What to Look For
| Credential | Minimum Standard | Preferred Standard | How to Verify |
| Education | DDS or DMD | DDS or DMD from accredited school | Ask or check state license |
| Residency | None (general dentist can do braces) | 2–3 year orthodontic residency | AAO directory |
| State License | Active license | Active license, no disciplinary actions | State dental board |
| AAO Membership | Not required | Active member | AAO directory |
| ABO Certification | Not required | Active board certified (diplomate) | ABO directory |
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
- License status is inactive, expired, or under probation – Verify immediately
- Disciplinary actions on record – Search your state dental board website
- Not in AAO directory – They may be a general dentist, not an orthodontist
- No ABO certification with vague answers – “I’m working on it” for years is a red flag
- Cannot provide proof of orthodontic residency – Any qualified orthodontist can tell you where they completed their 2–3 year program
What to Ask During Your Consultation
Print these questions and take them to your appointment.
- “Where did you complete your orthodontic residency?” – Look for a 2–3 year program
- “Are you an active member of the AAO?” – Confirm via the online directory
- “Are you board certified by the ABO?” – Confirm via the ABO directory
- “How many cases like mine have you treated?” – Experience matters
- “What happens if my treatment doesn’t go as planned?” – Tests their problem-solving approach
Questions About Orthodontist Credentials
How do I check if an orthodontist is board certified?
Search the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) “Find a Diplomate” directory. Enter the orthodontist’s name and location. If they appear with active certification, they are board certified. If not, they are not currently board certified.
What’s the difference between AAO and ABO?
AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) is a professional membership organization. ABO (American Board of Orthodontics) is a certifying board that administers board certification exams. Think of AAO as “membership” and ABO as “board certification.” Both are valuable, but ABO certification is the higher standard.
Can a general dentist call themselves an orthodontist?
No. “Orthodontist” is a protected term in most states. However, general dentists can offer braces. Check the AAO directory to confirm someone is actually an orthodontist. If they’re not in the AAO directory, they are likely a general dentist offering orthodontic services.
How do I find a qualified orthodontist near me?
Start with the AAO “Find an Orthodontist” directory. Filter by your zip code. Then verify each candidate’s state license and ABO certification. Finally, schedule free consultations with 2–3 providers.
Do all orthodontists have to be board certified?
No. Board certification through the ABO is voluntary. Many excellent orthodontists are not board certified. However, board certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence and ongoing education. It’s a valuable differentiator.
What does “DDS” and “DMD” mean?
Both are dental degrees. DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery. DMD = Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. The training is identical. Only the name varies by university. Neither indicates orthodontic specialty.
How can I verify an orthodontist’s license in my state?
Use your state dental board’s online license lookup tool. Search by name or license number. Check for active status and any disciplinary history. Links for all 50 states are provided in Step 1 above.
What should I do if I find a disciplinary action on an orthodontist’s license?
Research the details. Minor infractions (late continuing education) may be less concerning. Serious actions (patient harm, license suspension) should disqualify the provider. Contact the state dental board for specifics.
Is it safe to get braces from a dentist who isn’t an orthodontist?
For very mild cases (minor spacing or slight crowding with no bite issues), an experienced general dentist may be acceptable. For any bite issue (overbite, underbite, crossbite), severe crowding, impacted teeth, or children under 10, see an AAO orthodontist.
How long does orthodontic residency take?
Two to three years of full-time, hospital-based training after dental school. This is the minimum to be called an orthodontist. General dentists who take weekend courses in braces have no comparable training.
Your Next Move: Verify Before You Commit
You now know exactly how to check orthodontist credentials in three simple steps: state dental board license, AAO membership, and ABO board certification. Take 10 minutes to verify your provider before signing a treatment plan. Your teeth—and your wallet—will thank you.
For more guidance, read:
- How to Choose a Qualified Orthodontist (AAO & ABO Credentials Explained)
- Orthodontist vs Dentist for Braces
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental or orthodontic advice. Always consult a licensed orthodontist for guidance specific to your situation.