EDITORIAL

The American Board of Orthodontics: A historic milestone

T he year 1969 marks the fortieth anniversary of the American Board of Orthodontics. This may not seem remarkable insofar as the history of the health sciences is concerned, but in the history of medical and dental certify- ing boards it is an achievement worthy of editorial recognition. The reason is simple. The Board was founded when specialty boards were virtually un- known in the professional world. It was preceded by only two in medicine- ophthalmology and otolaryngology. Thus, the American Board of Orthodontics has the distinction of being not only the first certifying board in dentistry but also the third in either medicine or dentistry.

It is interesting that these first three certifying boards were established by specialties concerned with craniofacial structures. Most of the remaining medical boards were organized during the 1930’s. The decade for expansion of dental boards was in the 1940’s, with periodontics in 1940, pedodontics in 1942, oral surgery and prosthodontics in 1946, oral pathology in 1948, and dental public health in 1950. Endodontics, in 1964, completes the list of eight dental boards. There are twenty in medicine, nine of which also issue certificates in subspecialties or in special divisions of the pertinent specialty. Just 6 weeks ago, the American Board of Family Practice was approved in medicine. One of its principal purposes is to increase the status of general practice, and it is possible that dentistry will consider a similar board in the future.

When the American Board of Orthodontics was founded in 1929, the spe- cialty was concerned as much with orthodontic education as it was with certification. Graduate training as we now know it had just taken its first faltering steps, principally at Columbia, Northwestern, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Iowa. Preceptee training was at its height, and the American Association of Orthodontists realized that some method had to be devised to improve educational standards and to provide a means whereby the profession and the public could determine the clinical competence of the orthodontic specialist. Certification seemed to be the logical solution, and it soon was accompanied by an increase in the educational qualifications for specialty practice.

In the beginning, the Board was not fully accepted. Certain well-meaning orthodontists seriously doubted the advisability of an examining agency with the power of certification. Yet, there was agreement on the public’s need for some means to identify the capable specialist. One suggestion was that the

410

Editorial 411

Association grant fellowships, but this hardly met the challenge. Ultimately, the board concept was adopted, but there were few guidelines to show the way. It was a new venture that demanded perception and vision on the part of its founders. Interestingly enough, Board procedures and policies today are virtually the same as those established by the pioneer directors in 1929.

During the early years, the Board was responsible only to the American Association of Orthodontists. As the board concept expanded, it became a matter of concern for the American Medical Association and the American Dental Association, for these two organizations were recognized as the respon- sible agencies for all matters pertaining to the professions. Pet the boards were proliferating in a haphazard manner, and several diverse groups were striving for certifying boards when there was serious doubt as to their specialty status. Since this could only be confusing to the public, the 1947 ADA House of Delegates adopted a resolution stating the ‘ ‘ Requirements for the Approv- al of Examining Boards in Dental Specialties.” With its subsequent approval, the American Board of Orthodontics received its authority as the recognized certifying agency in orthodontics from the American Dental Association as well as from the American Association of Orthodontists.

The option for board examination is voluntary. In the medical specialties, board certification is virtually mandatory in order to secure hospital staff ap- pointments. Since this not-so-subtle pressure is lacking in orthodontics, it is reassuring that so many orthodontists have attained certification. The younger orthodontist, in particular, should consider it as one of his goals. Certification brings personal satisfaction as well as professional recognition, and the gen- eral public has become increasingly aware of the competence implied by board certification in all specialties.

During the Board’s 40 years of existence, forty-six men have served for varying periods as directors. Response has varied over the years. Interest, lagged at intervals, as in 1934 when only two candidates applied for certification, but in 1951 the Board processed 107 applications in a rush to meet a deadline on increased educational requirements. There was a time when the directors had to lend the funds to finance Board activities. This was done as a matter of course, for every director soon learns that Board service entails sacrifices and responsibilities of one kind or another. Today it involves time and effort, for the most part, in order to keep abreast with the extensive examination re- quirements and the ever-increasing number of candidates to examine.

Throughout its 40 years, the American Board of Orthodontics has acted with wisdom and justice and with moderation and prudence. The American Association of Orthodontists and the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ORTHODONTICS take considerable pride in the Board’s accomplishments, and they both look forward with confidence to continued success in the years to come.

B. F. D.