British Board of Orthodontics (BBO)

The British Board of Orthodontics’ purpose is to recognise clinicians who are committed to critically assessing their work, reflecting on their clinical decision-making, solving complex problems and continually developing their skills.

The underlying philosophy is that excellence is not a destination but a journey. For dentists and orthodontists taking part, the process can provide an opportunity to review and improve clinical records, strengthen critical appraisal and reflection, and consider the difference between being clinically competent and striving for excellence.

For patients, the BBO offers further reassurance that a clinician has successfully met on-going rigorous standards of case assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical outcomes. The initiative also provides peer recognition for dentists and orthodontists who have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of their clinical practice.

Whether treatment has been carried out using aligners, lingual appliances or fixed appliances is not the determining factor for success. Instead, the emphasis would be placed on the quality of the clinical process and outcome, including:

• Case assessment
• Diagnosis
• Treatment planning
• Case complexity
• Clinical decision-making
• Problem solving
• Excellent record keeping for case analysis
• The quality of the finished result

There will be nine different case categories, enabling candidates to demonstrate a breadth of clinical experience and expertise.

Any BOS member, including general dental practitioners with an appropriate orthodontic caseload, can apply provided they are able to meet the required standards and successfully complete the assessment process.

To read the regulations and find out more, please click here