A board-certified orthodontist is a specialist who has voluntarily gone beyond the requirements to practice and earned Diplomate status from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), demonstrating advanced knowledge, judgment, and clinical results to a panel of expert peers. At Dung Orthodontics, all three of our orthodontists are ABO Diplomates.
Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?
No. Every orthodontist must be licensed to practice, but only about one in three goes on to become board certified. The ABO certification process is voluntary and rigorous: it signifies a unique, ongoing commitment to the highest standard in the specialty. So while every orthodontist can legally treat patients, board certification tells you which ones chose to prove their expertise to their peers.
What Is the American Board of Orthodontics?
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. Founded in 1929, it is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. Earning, and maintaining, Diplomate status requires demonstrating excellence in diagnosis, treatment planning, and finished results, then renewing that certification over time.
Why It Matters for Your Family
Choosing an orthodontist is choosing expertise for a once-in-a-lifetime investment in your child’s, or your own, smile. Board certification is a clear, verifiable signal that your doctor holds themselves to a higher standard. When every doctor in a practice is a Diplomate, you can feel confident in your care no matter who you see.
Meet Our Board-Certified Team
Each of our doctors is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics:
- Dr. David Dung - ABO Diplomate since 1998; with nearly 40 years of experience.
- Dr. Kaitlyn Tom - ABO Diplomate; President of the Hawaii Society of Orthodontists; ʻIolani graduate.
- Dr. Lauren Todoki - ABO Diplomate; AAO Milo Hellman Research Award (2020); former University of Washington faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all orthodontists board certified?
No. All orthodontists must be licensed, but only about one in three becomes board-certified. Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics is voluntary and signifies a higher, peer-reviewed standard.
How many certifying boards does the ADA recognize in orthodontics?
One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), founded in 1929, is the only certifying board in the specialty recognized by the American Dental Association and the oldest specialty board in dentistry.
Schedule With a Board-Certified Orthodontist
Experience the difference board-certified care makes. Schedule a complimentary new-patient exam at our Honolulu or ʻAiea office.
> Book your free exam → Request an appointment · Honolulu (808) 941-5241 · ʻAiea (808) 488-0026