What It Means to Be ABO Board Certified in Orthodontics

Rittenhouse Orthodontics recently marked an important professional milestone. Dr. Jordyn Middleberg earned board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction that reflects advanced training and a strong commitment to clinical standards. 

What Is ABO Board Certification?

ABO board certification is a voluntary credential offered by the American Board of Orthodontics to evaluate how orthodontists diagnose, plan, and complete treatment over time. It exists to set a consistent national benchmark for orthodontic care beyond state licensure.

All orthodontists complete dental school and an accredited residency before treating patients. Board certification builds on that foundation by asking orthodontists to demonstrate how they apply clinical knowledge in real patient situations. The focus stays on decision-making and outcomes, not theory alone.

What The Certification Process Looks Like

Board certification follows a structured, multi-step process designed to closely evaluate clinical decision-making and results. It requires time, preparation, patience, and dedication.

The process begins with a comprehensive written examination that tests how orthodontists apply clinical knowledge in real situations. The focus stays on judgment, diagnosis, and treatment planning rather than memorization.  

After passing the written exam, orthodontists complete an additional assessment focused on the evaluation of orthodontic records and case imagery. Candidates are asked to analyze photographs, radiographs, and treatment outcomes across a wide range of orthodontic scenarios.

This phase evaluates how well orthodontists identify effective results, recognize potential concerns, and determine appropriate treatment decisions based on established standards. This step emphasizes clinical judgment, accuracy, and long-term outcomes.

Orthodontic care relies on careful judgment at every stage of treatment. Becoming board-certified helps reinforce an orthodontist’s ability to evaluate progress, respond to changes, and keep treatment moving in the right direction. For patients, it shows that they can expect care that is well-planned and reliable.

Why Dr. Jordyn Chose To Pursue Board Certification

For Dr. Jordyn Middleberg, board certification came from a desire to be certain that the care she provides meets the highest standards of the specialty. Orthodontic treatment has a lasting impact on patients’ lives, and she believes patients deserve to know treatment decisions are made with care, precision, and accountability.

The certification process offered a structured way to evaluate how orthodontic decisions are made across a wide range of clinical situations. By being assessed on diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome evaluation, she could confirm that her clinical reasoning aligns with established best practices. That reassurance matters, both in how she approaches patient care and in helping patients feel confident in the decisions guiding their treatment.

What This Means For You As A Patient

Choosing an orthodontist means trusting someone with your health over a long period of time. Treatment decisions affect how your smile functions, how comfortable your bite feels, and how well your results last as the years go on. Board certification supports care that keeps those long-term outcomes in mind.

For you and your family, this distinction offers confidence in your provider. You can feel certain that Dr. Middleberg will provide reliable care from the first visit through the final appointment. You can expect custom treatment plans built with intention and followed closely, so progress stays organized and predictable as treatment moves forward.

This matters because orthodontic care is not one-size-fits-all. Teeth respond differently over time, and small adjustments can influence comfort, function, and stability. A consistent approach helps reduce unnecessary changes and supports smoother progress, fewer surprises, and clearer expectations at each visit.

What It Means to Be ABO Board Certified in Orthodontics

A Reflection Of Care At Rittenhouse Orthodontics

At Rittenhouse Orthodontics, board certification fits naturally into the practice culture. Treatment blends established orthodontic principles with modern tools to support efficient and thoughtful care. Plans are tailored around your needs, your schedule, and your goals.

Dr. Jordyn’s certification represents another way the practice invests in patients and the Philadelphia community. If you have questions about board certification or want to talk more about treatment options, the team is always glad to continue the conversation during your next visit or consultation.