American Board of Orthodontics - ABO

Say Hello to Dr. Jason Yang!

While Dr. Yang enjoyed all aspects of general dentistry, he realized he wanted to specialize, refine his skills, and focus on something he truly loved. Orthodontics stood out to him because of the treatment planning process—"the ability to organize and execute a strategy that transforms someone's smile and, ultimately, their confidence. Orthodontics is a perfect blend of art, science, and engineering, and I was drawn to the precision and long-term impact it has on people's lives."

As someone who strives for clinical excellence, Dr. Yang viewed board certification as an opportunity to push himself further. He shares, "The process challenged me to refine my techniques, critically evaluate my work, and ensure I met the highest standards of orthodontic care. I wanted to prove to myself—and my patients—that I was committed to excellence at every level. He adds, "Being board-certified isn't just a title—it's a mindset."

That mindset shapes how he practices today. Dr. Yang continually seeks ways to improve patient outcomes through technology, research-backed techniques, and strong leadership—but he's quick to credit the bigger picture. "Excellent patient care isn't just about me—it's about having the right systems, team members, and a facility that supports our mission."

Dr. Yang completed his orthodontic residency at Jacksonville University and became ABO-Board Certified in 2019. At Yang Orthodontics in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, he strives to inspire patients to take an active role in their dental health while he and his team deliver the best possible orthodontic experience.

Meet Dr. Edsard van Steenbergen!

The decision to become an orthodontic specialist led Dr. Edsard van Steenbergen to a long and fulfilling career. From the beginning, his interest in the specialty stemmed from the desire "to improve dental function and facial esthetics in a non-invasive way," and for over 33 years, he's been doing just that.

Dr. van Steenbergen shares, "I sought ABO board certification to improve my clinical skills and continue to critically evaluate my results," which he earned in 2000. That commitment still shapes his practice today, where he continues to adhere to "the same practice philosophy I had when I opened my first office: a small office with lots of personal attention, while staying up to date and applying peer-reviewed research."

Dr. van Steenbergen provides state-of-the-art orthodontic care in a welcoming, patient-focused environment. With a personalized approach to each treatment plan, he ensures that every patient's orthodontic journey is "comfortable, effective, and tailored to their unique needs," with the simple goal of "a confident, healthy smile that exceeds expectations."

Located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, Dr. van Steenbergen operates EVS Orthodontic Clinic. He completed his orthodontic training at the University of Connecticut Health Center.

Introducing Dr. Carina Perez-Cisneros!

For Dr. Perez-Cisneros, orthodontics was a natural fit for her love of science and working with her hands — but it became a calling for a bigger reason. "What truly drew me to orthodontics was the ability to blend precision with creativity to make a lasting impact on people's lives," she shares. "Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth — it's about building confidence, improving function, and creating positive experiences for patients of all ages."

A graduate of the University of Puerto Rico's orthodontic residency program, Dr. Perez-Cisneros earned her board certification in 2021. "Becoming board certified was about pushing myself to the highest standard of excellence in my field. I take great pride in knowing that my expertise helps deliver exceptional results."

Dr. Perez-Cisneros practices at Houston Orthodontic Specialists–South (Sugar Land and Rosenberg, Texas locations), where she and her team are committed to not just straightening teeth, but also to enhancing overall confidence and quality of life. She uses the latest technology to make treatment efficient and comfortable, all within a family-friendly atmosphere where patients feel valued and cared for. "My goal is for every patient to leave not only with a beautiful smile but also with a positive experience they'll remember for years to come."

Houston Orthodontic Specialists

Say Hello to Dr. MaryEvan Thacker Hellebusch!

With her father a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. MaryEvan had the unique opportunity to see firsthand how orthodontics transforms patients' smiles and lives. She was always drawn to health and medicine, but her passion for orthodontics began in high school when she worked as a chairside technician. "That experience opened my eyes to the perfect blend of science, artistry, and patient care that defines orthodontics," she shares. "I was inspired by how treatment could be life-changing — not just for long-term oral health, but also for a patient’s confidence and self-image."

That foundation carried into her training. "Throughout my residency at Boston University, we meticulously refined cases to meet board standards, always emphasizing the long-term functional benefits for our patients," she says. "This reinforced my belief that an orthodontist's ultimate goal is to create not just beautiful smiles, but healthy, lasting ones."

Dr. MaryEvan achieved board certification in 2022 and shares, "Becoming ABO-Board Certified is a testament to my commitment to excellence, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of care for both function and esthetics throughout their lifetime." Committed to ongoing education and staying at the forefront of new techniques and advancements in orthodontics, Dr. MaryEvan adds, "Bringing this knowledge back to my practice allows me to offer the highest level of care to every patient."

Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Thacker Orthodontics is built on a strong sense of teamwork, family, and truly individualized care. "At the heart of it all, we're a family treating families. We take the time to ensure each patient feels valued, heard, and confident throughout their treatment journey. Our goal is not just beautiful smiles but long-term oral health and overall well-being."

Last week, the ABO attended the annual Dental Specialties meeting in Chicago, sharing updates and participating in discussions with other dental specialty certifying boards. We enjoyed meeting with everyone and appreciated the time spent collaborating.

Thinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child? Start by scheduling a consultation with an ABO-Board Certified orthodontist — someone who has voluntarily met the highest standards in the specialty and is committed to excellence in every patient's care.

Meet Dr. Sherwood Miler!

As a Navy dentist, Dr. Miler wasn’t planning to specialize, but while treating Marine recruits at Parris Island, everything changed. Dr. Miler shares, "I saw firsthand how severe skeletal and dental issues, especially in young patients from all walks of life, could impact not only their oral health but their confidence and future. The lack of access to orthodontic care made it clear to me how big of a difference proper treatment could make."

That experience set him on a new path — shadowing local orthodontists, studying growth and development, and diving into continuing education courses. The more he learned, the more he fell in love with the specialty. "Helping guide facial development and create real functional change just clicked with me," he says. "From that moment on, I knew orthodontics was where I could make the biggest difference."

From early on in his training at the Georgia School of Orthodontics, Dr. Miler was inspired by mentors who modeled excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to lifelong learning. Dr. Miler saw board certification not just as an achievement, but as "a promise to stay at the forefront of my specialty, to hold myself accountable to the highest clinical standards, and to continually refine my skills for the benefit of my patients."

At Miler Orthodontics in coastal South Carolina, that same commitment shows up in every patient interaction. "You're not just a number here," he says. "We take the time to listen, explain every step, treat every patient like family, and create healthy, confident smiles."

Say Hello to Dr. Eric Dellinger!

Orthodontics has been part of Dr. Dellinger's life since childhood. "I grew up in an orthodontic family; my father and uncle were both orthodontists who loved their work!" he shares. Watching them build careers around transforming smiles and changing lives left a lasting impression, and it wasn't long before Dr. Dellinger knew he wanted to follow the same career path.

That family influence extended to board certification, too. "My father said that ABO certification was the best learning experience he ever had in orthodontics, and I wanted to achieve that same level of excellence in my own orthodontic practice," he explains. Dr. Dellinger completed his orthodontic residency at St. Louis University Health Sciences Center, became ABO-Board Certified in 2000, and just last year completed his second recertification—a testament to his commitment to the orthodontic specialty.

Dr. Dellinger and his team are committed to providing the highest standard of care to every patient, using approaches tailored to each patient's needs. He shares one example: "I use Dysport, anti-inflammatories, and other pharmaceuticals to treat TMJ dysfunction." In cases of craniofacial dysostosis, Dr. Dellinger draws on extensive experience, having founded and run a cleft palate clinic for nearly 20 years.

With locations in Angola and Kendallville, Indiana, E.L. Dellinger LLC is proud to serve patients and their families and is committed to giving back through local outreach and community involvement.

ELD Orthodontics

Join us in congratulating 67 orthodontic specialists who successfully renewed their ABO certification, reaffirming their commitment to excellence in orthodontic care. We're also celebrating two individuals who achieved ABO board certification after case banking completion. Thank you all for your dedication to the specialty!

To view the complete list of individuals, visit: https://americanboardortho.com/blog/june-2026-results-newly-certified-and-recertified-orthodontists/

What a great time at GORP 2026! Residents, thank you for stopping by the ABO booth and taking the time to talk with us about board certification — it was a pleasure meeting each of you.

Congratulations to our Steady Hands champion, Dr. Brendon Lowder of Seton Hill University Center for Orthodontics, who took the win with an impressive 15.75 seconds! Thanks to everyone who stepped up to try.

Many thanks to GORP and the University of Michigan for putting on such a wonderful event. We look forward to next year!