About Board Certification

Your Orthodontist is Board Certified
...and Why It Matters!

not all orthodontists are board certified

Many patients are surprised to learn that only about 1 in 3 orthodontists in the country are board-certified

To become board certified, an orthodontist has to pass a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations, as well as a comprehensive review of their credentials. The initial process of becoming board certified can take anywhere from five to ten years. Dr. John DiGiovanni is one of the few orthodontists in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach who has voluntarily gone through hundreds of additional hours of preparation to demonstrate they possess the judgment, skills, and knowledge required to provide the highest level of patient care.

Dr. John DiGiovanni, DDS, MS

Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BECOME BOARD CERTIFIED

A board certified orthodontist is known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.

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 esthetics and airway to the jaw and bite, not just the 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 general and cosmetic 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 expertise and quality.

ANGLE CERTIFICATION

EDWARD H. ANGLE SOCIETY OF ORTHODONTISTS

In addition to being a Board-Certified Diplomat, Dr. DiGiovanni is one of a select group of orthodontists with the distinction who has been invited to become a member of the prestigious Edward H. Angle Society.  

Only a select few orthodontists are chosen worldwide to become a candidate after displaying a high level of academic and clinical excellence as well as being a positive contributor to the profession.

To achieve full Angle Society membership, chosen orthodontists must complete and present clinical case reports and a written report in formats suitable for publication. Members must then continue to display competence to maintain their membership. 

Dr. DiGiovanni presenting his cases to the Angle Society. The Angle Society has only approximately 660 members worldwide, of which approximately five percent of all orthodontists in the United States are members.