American Board of Orthodontics - ABO

Home
United States
St. Louis, MO
American Board of Orthodontics - ABO

The ABO strives to elevate the level of orthodontic care for the general public by encouraging excellence in clinical practice and specialty education.

Search for a certified orthodontist by visiting our website at www.AmericanBoardOrtho.com. The Examination Process: Board certification is based on the highest standards of orthodontic knowledge and clinical skill. To become board-certified, orthodontists must complete a thorough written examination in all areas of the orthodontic specialty. During a comprehensive clinical examination, orthodontists present several finished patient cases for review by the expert examiners of the American Board of Orthodontics and complete an oral examination that evaluates diagnosis, treatment-planning, and finished treatment ability. A board-certified orthodontist is showing a lifelong commitment to continuing education. On a periodic basis, recertification examinations are completed in order to maintain active board certification status.

09/30/2026

Meet Dr. Estee Wang!

The dream of becoming an orthodontist began early for Dr. Wang. Her childhood dentist influenced her career path, and she became intrigued by the science of craniofacial development. "It's the perfect combination of art and science."

Dr. Wang's orthodontic residency program at the University of Michigan instilled a commitment to board certification, which she achieved in 2013. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Wang values continuing education, attending numerous meetings and lectures while staying up to date with research findings and publications. She shares, "Because orthodontics is a constantly evolving field, research and technology increasingly enable orthodontists to provide treatments that are more effective, comfortable, and efficient for our patients."

Serving communities across Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, the Lakes Orthodontics team focuses on efficient care and high-quality results, providing individualized attention and creating a custom treatment plan for each patient. "Our mission is to help patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile to last a lifetime."

09/24/2026

Meet Dr. Eugene Han!

Witnessing the transformative impact of orthodontic treatment inspired Dr. Han to become an orthodontic specialist. Straight teeth are a rewarding outcome, but for Dr. Han, what matters most is how patients feel. "Many patients begin their journey feeling self-conscious about their smiles, and by the end, they radiate confidence."

Driven by his pursuit of excellence in patient care, Dr. Han earned his ABO board certification in 2021 after completing his orthodontic residency at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. He shares, "Certification represents a commitment to the highest clinical and ethical standards in orthodontics. To me, it's more than just a credential — it's a symbol of dedication to my patients and the profession I love."

That dedication shows at Beyond Braces in Sachse, Texas, where Dr. Han and his team provide high-quality, detail-oriented care. They maintain a balanced schedule, giving each patient genuine one-on-one time with the doctor and building trust and relationships that make the treatment experience meaningful. "Our goal is for patients to leave with something beyond a great smile — a lasting sense of confidence and care." It's rooted in a simple belief: happiness brings health, and every patient is an opportunity to create positive change, one smile at a time.

Beyond Braces of Sachse Orthodontics

09/22/2026

Introducing Dr. Julia Giardina!

Dr. Giardina's first exposure to orthodontics came in dental school, when she began studying the biomechanics of tooth movement. "I felt an immediate connection to my undergraduate physics courses, which I loved and excelled in." Paired with her love of biology, especially anatomy and physiology, she says, "orthodontics felt like a natural fit."

Her orthodontic residency at Virginia Commonwealth University instilled in her the belief that becoming an exceptional orthodontist requires a deep, ongoing commitment to the profession. With that mindset, Dr. Giardina achieved board certification in 2023. She shares, "The longstanding legacy of excellence in ABO Board Certification, combined with my passion for delivering the highest standard of care to my patients, inspired me to become a board-certified orthodontist."

Giardina Orthodontics in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a fully digital, alginate-free office that uses cutting-edge digital treatment planning to help patients visualize their outcomes. Dr. Giardina emphasizes smile arc preservation and treatment planning, saying, "My goal is not only to create beautiful, functional smiles, but also to ensure long-term facial balance and aesthetics."

With more than 1,200 five-star Google reviews over the past 5 years, Giardina Orthodontics delivers a truly patient-centered experience — from the first phone call to the final retainer check. Dr. Giardina credits the team: "I attribute this to the culture we've built — one rooted in gratitude, celebrating wins, and creating genuine, lasting relationships with our patients."

09/17/2026

Registration for the 2027 Scenario-Based Clinical Examination is open! The exam will be administered on September 15, 2027, with registration closing on June 10, 2027 — or when capacity is reached.

Log in to your ABO account to register and secure your spot!

09/16/2026

Say Hello to Dr. Frederick L. Johnston!

Dr. Johnston's decades-long commitment to orthodontics and board certification reflects a career built on service and dedication.

His interest in the specialty was spurred during his tour of duty in the Vietnam War, when he served as a dental technician alongside practicing dentists. "Most of the dentists knew I was applying to dental school and recommended I specialize in orthodontics," he recalls. With his sights set on a future in orthodontics, he drew on his discipline as a competitive athlete to see it through. Looking back, he reflects, "Becoming an orthodontist was one of my great accomplishments, besides being a three-time world champion in track and field."

During his residency at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Johnston was influenced by his peers and colleagues to pursue board certification, which he achieved in 1988. He joined a multispecialty dental group as a partner and, in 2004, was eager to open his own practice in Dublin, California. Olympic Orthodontics combined his two loves — orthodontics and athletics. "My practice was unique because not only did we treat orthodontic patients with fixed orthodontics, Invisalign, and orthognathic surgery, but we also discussed sports-related topics," he says, adding, "It was a sports environment with quality care focused on the patient."

Whether in athletics or orthodontics, Dr. Johnston has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to excellence.

09/15/2026

Tomorrow's the day! The ABO wishes everyone sitting for the 2026 Clinical Examination the very best of luck.

09/03/2026

Say Hello to Dr. Kerisa Harriott!

Dr. Harriott's own orthodontic treatment was a lengthy process, but the results reached far beyond her smile and set her on her career path. "After wearing braces for four years as a child, I experienced firsthand the incredible transformation a renewed smile can bring, not just physically, but emotionally," she says. "The boost in self-esteem and confidence was life-changing. From that moment, I knew I wanted to create that same impact for others by transforming lives one smile at a time."

The desire to challenge herself and to align with those who continually strive for excellence in orthodontics was the driving force behind her pursuit of board certification. She shares, "The level of precision, dedication, and attention to detail required to complete and present board cases has sharpened my clinical skills. That same standard of care is something I bring to every case I treat in private practice today."

At RenewAll Orthodontics in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Harriott takes special care to ensure that each patient feels heard, respected, and fully involved in their care. "Every treatment plan is thoughtfully customized to the patient's unique needs and goals, while understanding the importance of flexibility in today's fast-paced world. By leveraging the latest technologies — remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and online scheduling — we deliver efficient, high-quality care without compromising the patient experience."

Dr. Harriott completed her orthodontic residency at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and achieved board certification in 2019.

09/02/2026

Meet Dr. Douglas S. Ainslie!

It was halfway through dental school when Dr. Ainslie realized that narrowing the focus of his practice would benefit his working life. While exploring different specialties, his orthodontist encouraged him to visit a few orthodontists who had been in practice for 20+ years. What he found there settled the question. "It was clear that the joy and satisfaction in the work were consistently present. That process made it abundantly clear that the specialty of orthodontics would be a great long-term professional fit."

Dr. Ainslie completed his orthodontic residency at Northwestern University, where, as he recalls, "the faculty all led by example and passed along to the residents what it is to be a professional." That example led him to pursue board certification. Upon graduation, he sat for the written board exam, but with several major life events occurring shortly thereafter, the opportunity to finish came years later, in 2007. Achieving board certification was a goal Dr. Ainslie never set aside.

Today, at Ainslie Orthodontics in Portland, Oregon, the same values continue to shape the patient experience. "I am honored to work with a group of individuals who are driven to make our patients' journeys unique and satisfying through education, relationships, and respect," he says. "That is also what keeps the work so satisfying almost 40 years later."

08/25/2026

Meet Dr. Zackary Faber!

A family lineage of orthodontists began with Dr. Albert Reitman, whose passion for the specialty inspired his son-in-law, Dr. Richard Faber, and his grandson, Dr. Zackary Faber. Dr. Zackary Faber shares, "The passion my grandfather had for his profession, and what his profession had given him and his family, made his discussion of his 'work' always fun and interesting." This, in turn, fueled his own desire to follow in those footsteps.

For Dr. Faber, becoming board-certified was never in question. "As I grew up in the shadows of two board-certified orthodontists, I never thought that board certification was ‘optional.'" His residency program director at the University of Connecticut Health Center and other mentors involved with the Edward H. Angle Society were also a driving force behind his board certification, which he achieved in 2006.

"Faber Orthodontics is a mature practice that has always focused on complex and complicated cases that require unique and special solutions," says Dr. Faber. Using a patient-centered approach, they deliver optimal solutions for each patient, providing esthetics and function.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Faber Orthodontics is proud to serve its community in Melville, New York.

08/24/2026

Introducing Dr. C.J. Von Bargen!

Dr. Von Bargen's interest in orthodontics was sparked during his own extensive orthodontic treatment as a child, when he came to admire his orthodontist. After completing treatment, he left not only with a wonderful smile but also with a plan for his future — including shadowing the orthodontist who had made an impact on him. Those experiences, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives, led him to become an orthodontist. He shares, "As an orthodontic specialist, I enjoy building relationships with my patients and watching them grow into their smiles."

Dr. Von Bargen completed his orthodontic residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and earned board certification in 2023, "to hold myself accountable as a highly knowledgeable and trusted orthodontist."

Practicing in North Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Von Bargen is committed to caring for his patients and their families, "making every tooth, bracket, and appointment the most important one." At Park Circle Orthodontics, they aim not only to improve patients' smiles but also to treat every patient as they would their own family.

Address

401 N Lindbergh Boulevard, Ste 300
St. Louis, MO
63141

Telephone

+13144326130

Website

http://www.AmericanBoardOrtho.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when American Board of Orthodontics - ABO posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The School

Send a message to American Board of Orthodontics - ABO:

Want your school to be the top-listed school/college in St. Louis?