At Smiles Orthodontics in Wichita, KS, Dr. Suman Gorantla isn’t just an orthodontist—he’s board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). While every orthodontist must be licensed to practice, board certification is a completely voluntary achievement that represents the highest level of commitment to patient care, clinical excellence, and ongoing professional development.
If you’ve ever wondered what board certification means—or why it should matter to you—this post will break it down in simple terms.
What Is Board Certification?
Board certification is awarded by the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association. It is not a requirement to practice orthodontics. In fact, fewer than half of orthodontists in the U.S. have earned this distinction.
To become board certified, orthodontists must go above and beyond their dental and orthodontic school training. The process includes:
-
Rigorous written and clinical examinations
-
Submission of treated patient cases for expert evaluation
-
Demonstration of excellence in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcomes
Even after certification is earned, orthodontists must renew it every 10 years, proving they remain current with the latest advances in orthodontics.
What Does the Process Involve?
Achieving ABO certification is no small task. The process involves:
-
Comprehensive Written Exam – This covers every aspect of orthodontic theory, diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical skills.
-
Clinical Case Submission – Orthodontists must present detailed case reports of patients they’ve treated, showing high-quality results that meet strict standards for function, health, and aesthetics.
-
Peer Review – All submissions are reviewed by a panel of certified orthodontists who evaluate both the treatment process and final results.
It’s a rigorous, time-intensive process designed to ensure that board certified orthodontists are not only knowledgeable, but also skilled in delivering exceptional results in real-world situations.
Why Does Board Certification Matter to Patients?
You may be thinking—if an orthodontist is already licensed, isn’t that enough? While licensing ensures an orthodontist meets the basic requirements to practice, board certification goes several steps further. Here’s why it matters for your smile:
1. Proven Commitment to Excellence
Certification shows that your orthodontist has chosen to meet the profession’s highest standards—not just once, but continuously. This is a voluntary process, and it reflects true dedication to the craft.
2. Rigorous Skill Verification
Every case submitted for board review is judged against national benchmarks for quality, function, and aesthetics. This means that a board certified orthodontist has demonstrated not only technical ability but also the artistry that goes into creating a beautiful, healthy smile.
3. Ongoing Education and Improvement
The 10-year recertification process requires orthodontists to stay up-to-date with the latest research, technology, and techniques. Patients benefit from care that reflects current best practices.
4. Trust and Confidence
When you choose a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Gorantla, you can feel confident that your treatment is backed by years of advanced study, proven results, and peer-validated expertise.
Board Certification at Smiles Orthodontics
Dr. Gorantla’s board certification is part of our larger mission at Smiles Orthodontics: to provide premier orthodontic care with a personalized touch. Whether you’re considering traditional braces or Invisalign®, you can trust that every treatment plan is designed with precision, care, and your long-term health in mind.
Our commitment to excellence isn’t just about technology or advanced techniques—it’s about ensuring each patient receives care that meets the highest professional standards. Board certification is one way we make that promise to you.
The Bottom Line
Board certification offers far more than a title—it’s a promise to you. At Smiles Orthodontics, we believe your smile deserves more than adequate care. That’s why Dr. Gorantla continues to go above and beyond—so you can trust you’re receiving the best possible orthodontic treatment, tailored just for you.