AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS
The American Board of Orthodontics: Milestones of progress Earl Shepard, DDS St. Louis, Mo.
T h e r e are currently 7,309 active members in the American Association of Orthodontists, of whom 23% are certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. This percentage has increased from 18%, as calculated 5 years ago. It is repetitive to document the historic beginning of the Board, but the name of one person constantly arises. His foresight helped to introduce the idea of accreditation to the fledgling American Society of Orthodontia. This man was Albert H. Ketcham of Denver, Colorado. As president, Dr. Ketcham addressed the Society at its twenty-eighth annual meeting at Estes Park, Colorado, on July 16, 1929. Included in his address was a plea for the enlargement of the orthodontic sphere through the improvements of its individual minds and skills. Ostensibly, through a report from the Education Committee, but undoubtedly under the aegis of Albert Ketcham, the formation of the American Board of Orthodontics was recommended. One should bear in mind that 60 years ago the existence of all things professional lacked the cohesion that Dr. Ketcham was striving to achieve. Undoubtedly, the ideals of the Board were to instill professional excellence in the minds of its members and diplomates, who were focusing their professional efforts exclusively on orthodontics. The almost total absence of postdoctoral education then meant that clinical and diagnostic know-how was on an individual basis. Leaders like Edward H. Angle, Calvin Case, and Benno Lischer were a source of knowledge for would-be orthodontists. However, formal training was severely limited. Even so, all the Board members chosen by the Society at that time had attended one of several schools operated by Edward H. Angle at various locations. Some of the original Board cadre actually had taught with him. Books written by Angle, Case, and Lischer were their bible. On the day after Dr. Ketcham's address, the Society had an opportunity to discuss this history-making action. In the general discussion of the members present at the Estes Park meeting, there was an initial misunderstanding of the aims of the Board and its operation. 8•5•22859
372
It was made plain that this was not an elitist organization. After a long session of questions and answers, the members in attendance were able to visualize the real purpose that the founders sought to accomplish in establishing the Board, and their endorsement was given. Dr. Ketcham said: "Conferring of a degree is left exclusively to the university, and the Board shall make no attempt whatever to control the practice of orthodontics, nor would efforts be made to promote any license or legal regulation thereof. [The Board] shall aim to establish a standard of fitness to practice orthodontics and to certify those who apply and satisfy the Board of their q u a l i f i c a t i o n . . . The American Board of Orthodontics hopes that the work of this Board will become as great a factor in raising the standards of the teaching and of the practice of orthodontia as has been the work of American Board of Ophthalmology and of the American Board of Otolaryngology. The work of these Boards has been so successful in raising the standards of teaching and practice in these specialties that other important societies and organizations are following the example of those influential organizations. Moreover, the certificate of the American Board of Otolaryngology is required of candidates for appointments in many and various important positions in hospitals and colleges and for membership in all national otolaryngology societies." Board certification is no less important today. In his closing remarks, Dr. Ketcham also made a philosophical statement that is equally contemporaneous after six decades. He said: "In closing, let me say that we may make our lives greatly useful or only commonplace. Let us make them so vitally useful in our chosen specialty that the knowledge of Orthodontia may advance apace and be the dominant factor in the welfare of humanity that it can and should be. Then the many and far-reaching benefits of orthodontia may be enjoyed by the great host of children to whom it will be a priceless boon." Such was the genesis of orthodontics as a specialty board. Obviously, in the first years of Board function, a few highly regarded orthodontists were certified by the Board "on their records." When it was founded, the Board had an original roster of 19 candidates. Dur-
Volume 98 Number 4
ing the first 5 years of existence, five to ten case reports and the presentation of two 3000-word theses were required. One involved the biologic aspects of orthodontia, and the other, the mechanical aspects. Board examinations were conducted during the week immediately preceding the annual meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists and continued to be so scheduled until 1972, when they were changed to one location, St. Louis, Missouri. The entire specialty of orthodontics and the American Board of Orthodontics were shocked and saddened when Dr. Ketcham died in 1935. One hundred three orthodontists had successfully fulfilled the requirements of the Board, and Dr. Ketcham's vision was a reality. A year after Dr. Ketcham's premature death, the Board created the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award, which is given to "some orthodontist or other person who in the judgment of the Award Committee has made a notable contribution to the Science and Art of Orthodont i a . . . " At the annual meeting of the American Society of Orthodontists in 1937, the first Albert H. Ketchain Memorial Award was presented to John Valentine Mershon of Philadelphia. In 1939 the name of the Board was changed from the American Board of Orthodontia to the American Board of Orthodontics. During this year, the officers of the Society of Exodontists and Oral Surgeons asked the Board for information to aid them in setting up a similar board for their specialty. At the annual meeting of the Board in 1940, a benchmark resolution was passed, which stated: Whereas the American Board of Orthodontics has, in the past years, certified applicants who have been in the exclusive and ethical practice of orthodontics for more than fifteen years "on their records," Therefore Be It Resolved... that this custom be discontinued. This resolution brought a rigid control to the Board organization in that definite requirements were now established. At the 1941 meeting of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, James David McCoy presented a comprehensive report on the terminology to be used by the Board. This report was adopted and published in the April 1941 issue of the AMERICANJOURNALOF ORTHODONTICS and remains applicable to this day. By this date, as well, there were 215 certificates awarded in 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. At this time, also, the presentation of only one 3000-word thesis was adopted. The number of case reports required varied from five to ten, depending on the experience of the candidate. All candidates during this same period were required to have been members of the AAO for at least 3 years.
American Board of Orthodontics 873 Despite World War II, a record number of applications were received in 1944, the highest number in the history of the B o a r d - - 3 1 . In 1949 a disturbing refusal to recognize the American Board of Orthodontics by the American Dental Association's Council on Dental Education resulted in a letter to Harlan H. Homer, chairman of the American Dental Association's Council, that clearly emphasized the fact that the Board would continue to operate on the belief that its standards were excellent and its tenets were valid. This controversy resulted in a meeting of the Directors of the Board with Drs. Shailer Peterson and J. Roy Blayney of the ADA Council on Dental Education in 1950. A slight change in the certificate to be awarded to Canadians was agreed on. With the passing of time, a general agreement resulted in the use of one certificate. As a result of this meeting, the ADA's Council on Dental Education recognized the ABO as the official certifying body in orthodontics. Because of the United States' insistence in the 1950s that its citizens achieve preeminence in science, technology, and other scholarly pursuits, including orthodontics, many in the dental specialty benefited. Recognition accorded Boarded specialists by the Veterans Administration within their own organization resulted in a 25% increase in base salary. This was the first instance in which dentists were placed on an equal basis with physicians by a federal service. This ruling has continued to the present time. The popularity of Board certification manifested itself with marked increases in certification, with the annual number of new applicants increasing from 30 to 122. It was also during this period that Special Instructions were implemented by the Board. From the 1950s through the 1970s, candidates for certification were required to be members of the American Dental Association, as well as to present two personal references from orthodontists practicing in their area. Orthodontics was in the vanguard of those requiring ADA membership. This is still a requirement, as well as membership in the AAO for at least 3 years. In 1962, under the guidance of ABO President Higley, the criteria for certification were changed somewhat. A written examination was introduced as an option for the 3000-word thesis. This was continued until 1978. At present all Phase II examinations consist entirely of a written test. Through these formative years, educational consultants were brought in periodically to improve the Board examination. Under their advice, it is noted that the number of cases required were reduced from 15 to 10. It seems that this requirement will remain the same for the foreseeable future as an optimal measure of a
374
Shepard
candidate's qualifications. During the same period, the Board moved to vote on succeeding directors from a slate of three nominations. In response to what some people considered political appointees from outgoing directors, eventually the outgoing director's constituent society was privileged to present "not more than five, and no less than three" candidates for the discussion of the Board and the resultant nomination to the American Association of Orthodontists' Board of Trustees for the House of Delegates' decision. An additional change in eligibility was also introduced with the acceptance of hospital residency by candidates and the establishment of a supervised preceptorship, as a result of action taken in 1958 by the American Association of Orthodontists. Under the preceptorship program, also, all efforts were made to increase the certification of more orthodontists. The farreaching program reached all constituent societies and was headed by George W. Hahn. It was terminated in 1967. By 1968, there were 809 diplomates of the ABO. New applications were rising, possibly with the advent of the written examination that had been instituted in 1965: A total of 73 candidates took the clinical part of the Board examination, which was later given the title of Phase III. The initial application was termed Phase I, and the written examination was termed Phase II. Because of the great amount of work, with the increased numbers, the Board of Directors was increased to a total of nine, making it possible to employ three examining teams of three directors each. At the same time, the' Board also voted to arrange a time for the Phase III examination, other than during the week before the annual meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists. During the same year, 1971, the first central office of the American Board of Orthodontics was established in St. Louis, where it is still based. By 1972 the annual registration had reached 854 active, 98 retired, and 206 deceased members. It was in 1973 that the very popular representative display of 15 cases was taken to London by Dr. Dewel, co-chairman of the international meeting. There it was well received and showed the world the caliber of American orthodontics. During the same year, the Phase III examinations were permanently located in St. Louis to expedite managing the increasing numbers of applicants. Phase II (the written examination) is still given in three locations--New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco--all on the same day. Also, in 1973 an attractive plaque was installed in the new Association of Orthodontists' central headquarters commemorating the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award. The bronze plaque is updated yearly with additional recipients.
Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop. October 1990
Despite increased efficiency, the growing pains of the Board indicated the need for a long-range study. As a result, the office of executive secretary was recommended. Also, the constituent societies were invited to submit nominees annually for the Ketcham Award. At the request of the Council on Dental Education, the Board deleted from its requirements "A candidate must be a member in good standing of the American Dental Association," as well as a"citizen of the United States." With the recognition of the importance of its forthcoming golden anniversary, a committee of the Board was formed in 1974 to celebrate properly the significant 1979 birthday. In 1979, in recognition of the directors' devotion to service, the Board presented marble-based desk plaques with the directors' name and years of service. A Golden Anniversary Breakfast was established by the Board, to be held annually at the American Association of Orthodontists' meeting. A special ABO orthodontic honorary certificate is now presented to each orthodontist to celebrate his or her fiftieth anniversary in orthodontics. Perhaps as a trend for the future, in the same year, the first dual specialty, orthodontist-pedodontist, was certified. The number of members in this combination specialty has increased significantly. In 1979 there were 1135 active members and 142 retired members of the ABO. Also, at the same time, because of the increasingly litigious atmosphere and the need for legal advice, the ABO gratefully accepted the invitation from the AAO that its in-house attorney could be used for Board advice. Further celebrating the fiftieth anniversary, the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics was formed. It has proved to be an able ally and has been a significant influence in Board certification. Because of the need for a full-time executive director and because of mounting administration costs, Board eligibility and maintenance fees were established. In 1984 another prestigious prize, The American Board of Orthodontics Recognition Award, was established to express gratitude to worthy persons inside and outside of academia who have done so much for orthodontics and the Board. Board eligibility was not a requirement for this recognition. During this time, the three categories have been definitely established to smooth the transition toward Board eligibility: (1) Board applicant: an orthodontist who signs an application to take the Board examination (Phase I), (2) Board eligibility: a condition regulated by successful completion of Phase II (written examination); and (3) Board certification: the term applied to a diplomate who
Vohtme 98 Number 4
American Board of Orthodontics
has successfully completed the Phase III clinical examination (case presentation and oral examination). With the growth of the Board in the 1980s, committees have been established to carry on the expanded business of the Board and relations with the AAO. In 1987 the lapel logo of the Board was created and sent to all members. This most attractive registered trademark of the Board is proudly worn by ABO diplomates. During the same year, the Earl E. Shepard Award was established in recognition of the highest possible standards of excellence. It is given annually to the Phase II candidate with highest examination score. Under the aegis of an optical scan system, the horizons of all five sections of the totally objective examination have been examined. With the standardization of candidate evaluations, the requirement of 10 cases, the increasing dependence
375
on third-party payment, and credential review of staff appointments, as well as the perceived need for specialists to demarcate those who practice orthodontics without specialty training from those who have had specialty training and have undergone rigorous tests of their skill and knowledge, there has been a huge increase in applications to the American Board of Orthodontics. In 1986 there were 223; in 1988, 212; in 1989, 242. At present, there are 1610 diplomates, with 429 retirees. It has been estimated that by the year 2000, the Board may well have 35% to 50% of all specially trained orthodontists as diplomates. In conclusion, this has been a labor of love by our ABO directors who, through the years, have guided increasing numbers of AAO members to the highest professional accomplishment--Board certification by peers.
AAO MEETING CALENDAR
1991mSeattle, Wash., May 11 to 15, Seattle Convention Center 1992--St. Louis, Mo., May 10 to 13, St. Louis Convention Center 1993--Toronto, Canada, May 16 to 19, Metropolitan Toronto Convention Center 1994mOrlando, Fla., May 1 to 4, Orange County Convention and Civic Center 1995--San Francisco, Calif., May 7 to 10, Moscone Convention Center 1996--Denver, Colo., May 12-15, Colorado Convention Center
The American Board of Orthodontics: Milestones of progress Earl Shepard, DDS St. Louis, Mo.
T h e r e are currently 7,309 active members in the American Association of Orthodontists, of whom 23% are certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. This percentage has increased from 18%, as calculated 5 years ago. It is repetitive to document the historic beginning of the Board, but the name of one person constantly arises. His foresight helped to introduce the idea of accreditation to the fledgling American Society of Orthodontia. This man was Albert H. Ketcham of Denver, Colorado. As president, Dr. Ketcham addressed the Society at its twenty-eighth annual meeting at Estes Park, Colorado, on July 16, 1929. Included in his address was a plea for the enlargement of the orthodontic sphere through the improvements of its individual minds and skills. Ostensibly, through a report from the Education Committee, but undoubtedly under the aegis of Albert Ketcham, the formation of the American Board of Orthodontics was recommended. One should bear in mind that 60 years ago the existence of all things professional lacked the cohesion that Dr. Ketcham was striving to achieve. Undoubtedly, the ideals of the Board were to instill professional excellence in the minds of its members and diplomates, who were focusing their professional efforts exclusively on orthodontics. The almost total absence of postdoctoral education then meant that clinical and diagnostic know-how was on an individual basis. Leaders like Edward H. Angle, Calvin Case, and Benno Lischer were a source of knowledge for would-be orthodontists. However, formal training was severely limited. Even so, all the Board members chosen by the Society at that time had attended one of several schools operated by Edward H. Angle at various locations. Some of the original Board cadre actually had taught with him. Books written by Angle, Case, and Lischer were their bible. On the day after Dr. Ketcham's address, the Society had an opportunity to discuss this history-making action. In the general discussion of the members present at the Estes Park meeting, there was an initial misunderstanding of the aims of the Board and its operation. 8•5•22859
372
It was made plain that this was not an elitist organization. After a long session of questions and answers, the members in attendance were able to visualize the real purpose that the founders sought to accomplish in establishing the Board, and their endorsement was given. Dr. Ketcham said: "Conferring of a degree is left exclusively to the university, and the Board shall make no attempt whatever to control the practice of orthodontics, nor would efforts be made to promote any license or legal regulation thereof. [The Board] shall aim to establish a standard of fitness to practice orthodontics and to certify those who apply and satisfy the Board of their q u a l i f i c a t i o n . . . The American Board of Orthodontics hopes that the work of this Board will become as great a factor in raising the standards of the teaching and of the practice of orthodontia as has been the work of American Board of Ophthalmology and of the American Board of Otolaryngology. The work of these Boards has been so successful in raising the standards of teaching and practice in these specialties that other important societies and organizations are following the example of those influential organizations. Moreover, the certificate of the American Board of Otolaryngology is required of candidates for appointments in many and various important positions in hospitals and colleges and for membership in all national otolaryngology societies." Board certification is no less important today. In his closing remarks, Dr. Ketcham also made a philosophical statement that is equally contemporaneous after six decades. He said: "In closing, let me say that we may make our lives greatly useful or only commonplace. Let us make them so vitally useful in our chosen specialty that the knowledge of Orthodontia may advance apace and be the dominant factor in the welfare of humanity that it can and should be. Then the many and far-reaching benefits of orthodontia may be enjoyed by the great host of children to whom it will be a priceless boon." Such was the genesis of orthodontics as a specialty board. Obviously, in the first years of Board function, a few highly regarded orthodontists were certified by the Board "on their records." When it was founded, the Board had an original roster of 19 candidates. Dur-
Volume 98 Number 4
ing the first 5 years of existence, five to ten case reports and the presentation of two 3000-word theses were required. One involved the biologic aspects of orthodontia, and the other, the mechanical aspects. Board examinations were conducted during the week immediately preceding the annual meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists and continued to be so scheduled until 1972, when they were changed to one location, St. Louis, Missouri. The entire specialty of orthodontics and the American Board of Orthodontics were shocked and saddened when Dr. Ketcham died in 1935. One hundred three orthodontists had successfully fulfilled the requirements of the Board, and Dr. Ketcham's vision was a reality. A year after Dr. Ketcham's premature death, the Board created the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award, which is given to "some orthodontist or other person who in the judgment of the Award Committee has made a notable contribution to the Science and Art of Orthodont i a . . . " At the annual meeting of the American Society of Orthodontists in 1937, the first Albert H. Ketchain Memorial Award was presented to John Valentine Mershon of Philadelphia. In 1939 the name of the Board was changed from the American Board of Orthodontia to the American Board of Orthodontics. During this year, the officers of the Society of Exodontists and Oral Surgeons asked the Board for information to aid them in setting up a similar board for their specialty. At the annual meeting of the Board in 1940, a benchmark resolution was passed, which stated: Whereas the American Board of Orthodontics has, in the past years, certified applicants who have been in the exclusive and ethical practice of orthodontics for more than fifteen years "on their records," Therefore Be It Resolved... that this custom be discontinued. This resolution brought a rigid control to the Board organization in that definite requirements were now established. At the 1941 meeting of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, James David McCoy presented a comprehensive report on the terminology to be used by the Board. This report was adopted and published in the April 1941 issue of the AMERICANJOURNALOF ORTHODONTICS and remains applicable to this day. By this date, as well, there were 215 certificates awarded in 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. At this time, also, the presentation of only one 3000-word thesis was adopted. The number of case reports required varied from five to ten, depending on the experience of the candidate. All candidates during this same period were required to have been members of the AAO for at least 3 years.
American Board of Orthodontics 873 Despite World War II, a record number of applications were received in 1944, the highest number in the history of the B o a r d - - 3 1 . In 1949 a disturbing refusal to recognize the American Board of Orthodontics by the American Dental Association's Council on Dental Education resulted in a letter to Harlan H. Homer, chairman of the American Dental Association's Council, that clearly emphasized the fact that the Board would continue to operate on the belief that its standards were excellent and its tenets were valid. This controversy resulted in a meeting of the Directors of the Board with Drs. Shailer Peterson and J. Roy Blayney of the ADA Council on Dental Education in 1950. A slight change in the certificate to be awarded to Canadians was agreed on. With the passing of time, a general agreement resulted in the use of one certificate. As a result of this meeting, the ADA's Council on Dental Education recognized the ABO as the official certifying body in orthodontics. Because of the United States' insistence in the 1950s that its citizens achieve preeminence in science, technology, and other scholarly pursuits, including orthodontics, many in the dental specialty benefited. Recognition accorded Boarded specialists by the Veterans Administration within their own organization resulted in a 25% increase in base salary. This was the first instance in which dentists were placed on an equal basis with physicians by a federal service. This ruling has continued to the present time. The popularity of Board certification manifested itself with marked increases in certification, with the annual number of new applicants increasing from 30 to 122. It was also during this period that Special Instructions were implemented by the Board. From the 1950s through the 1970s, candidates for certification were required to be members of the American Dental Association, as well as to present two personal references from orthodontists practicing in their area. Orthodontics was in the vanguard of those requiring ADA membership. This is still a requirement, as well as membership in the AAO for at least 3 years. In 1962, under the guidance of ABO President Higley, the criteria for certification were changed somewhat. A written examination was introduced as an option for the 3000-word thesis. This was continued until 1978. At present all Phase II examinations consist entirely of a written test. Through these formative years, educational consultants were brought in periodically to improve the Board examination. Under their advice, it is noted that the number of cases required were reduced from 15 to 10. It seems that this requirement will remain the same for the foreseeable future as an optimal measure of a
374
Shepard
candidate's qualifications. During the same period, the Board moved to vote on succeeding directors from a slate of three nominations. In response to what some people considered political appointees from outgoing directors, eventually the outgoing director's constituent society was privileged to present "not more than five, and no less than three" candidates for the discussion of the Board and the resultant nomination to the American Association of Orthodontists' Board of Trustees for the House of Delegates' decision. An additional change in eligibility was also introduced with the acceptance of hospital residency by candidates and the establishment of a supervised preceptorship, as a result of action taken in 1958 by the American Association of Orthodontists. Under the preceptorship program, also, all efforts were made to increase the certification of more orthodontists. The farreaching program reached all constituent societies and was headed by George W. Hahn. It was terminated in 1967. By 1968, there were 809 diplomates of the ABO. New applications were rising, possibly with the advent of the written examination that had been instituted in 1965: A total of 73 candidates took the clinical part of the Board examination, which was later given the title of Phase III. The initial application was termed Phase I, and the written examination was termed Phase II. Because of the great amount of work, with the increased numbers, the Board of Directors was increased to a total of nine, making it possible to employ three examining teams of three directors each. At the same time, the' Board also voted to arrange a time for the Phase III examination, other than during the week before the annual meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists. During the same year, 1971, the first central office of the American Board of Orthodontics was established in St. Louis, where it is still based. By 1972 the annual registration had reached 854 active, 98 retired, and 206 deceased members. It was in 1973 that the very popular representative display of 15 cases was taken to London by Dr. Dewel, co-chairman of the international meeting. There it was well received and showed the world the caliber of American orthodontics. During the same year, the Phase III examinations were permanently located in St. Louis to expedite managing the increasing numbers of applicants. Phase II (the written examination) is still given in three locations--New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco--all on the same day. Also, in 1973 an attractive plaque was installed in the new Association of Orthodontists' central headquarters commemorating the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award. The bronze plaque is updated yearly with additional recipients.
Am. J. Orthod. Dentofac. Orthop. October 1990
Despite increased efficiency, the growing pains of the Board indicated the need for a long-range study. As a result, the office of executive secretary was recommended. Also, the constituent societies were invited to submit nominees annually for the Ketcham Award. At the request of the Council on Dental Education, the Board deleted from its requirements "A candidate must be a member in good standing of the American Dental Association," as well as a"citizen of the United States." With the recognition of the importance of its forthcoming golden anniversary, a committee of the Board was formed in 1974 to celebrate properly the significant 1979 birthday. In 1979, in recognition of the directors' devotion to service, the Board presented marble-based desk plaques with the directors' name and years of service. A Golden Anniversary Breakfast was established by the Board, to be held annually at the American Association of Orthodontists' meeting. A special ABO orthodontic honorary certificate is now presented to each orthodontist to celebrate his or her fiftieth anniversary in orthodontics. Perhaps as a trend for the future, in the same year, the first dual specialty, orthodontist-pedodontist, was certified. The number of members in this combination specialty has increased significantly. In 1979 there were 1135 active members and 142 retired members of the ABO. Also, at the same time, because of the increasingly litigious atmosphere and the need for legal advice, the ABO gratefully accepted the invitation from the AAO that its in-house attorney could be used for Board advice. Further celebrating the fiftieth anniversary, the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics was formed. It has proved to be an able ally and has been a significant influence in Board certification. Because of the need for a full-time executive director and because of mounting administration costs, Board eligibility and maintenance fees were established. In 1984 another prestigious prize, The American Board of Orthodontics Recognition Award, was established to express gratitude to worthy persons inside and outside of academia who have done so much for orthodontics and the Board. Board eligibility was not a requirement for this recognition. During this time, the three categories have been definitely established to smooth the transition toward Board eligibility: (1) Board applicant: an orthodontist who signs an application to take the Board examination (Phase I), (2) Board eligibility: a condition regulated by successful completion of Phase II (written examination); and (3) Board certification: the term applied to a diplomate who
Vohtme 98 Number 4
American Board of Orthodontics
has successfully completed the Phase III clinical examination (case presentation and oral examination). With the growth of the Board in the 1980s, committees have been established to carry on the expanded business of the Board and relations with the AAO. In 1987 the lapel logo of the Board was created and sent to all members. This most attractive registered trademark of the Board is proudly worn by ABO diplomates. During the same year, the Earl E. Shepard Award was established in recognition of the highest possible standards of excellence. It is given annually to the Phase II candidate with highest examination score. Under the aegis of an optical scan system, the horizons of all five sections of the totally objective examination have been examined. With the standardization of candidate evaluations, the requirement of 10 cases, the increasing dependence
375
on third-party payment, and credential review of staff appointments, as well as the perceived need for specialists to demarcate those who practice orthodontics without specialty training from those who have had specialty training and have undergone rigorous tests of their skill and knowledge, there has been a huge increase in applications to the American Board of Orthodontics. In 1986 there were 223; in 1988, 212; in 1989, 242. At present, there are 1610 diplomates, with 429 retirees. It has been estimated that by the year 2000, the Board may well have 35% to 50% of all specially trained orthodontists as diplomates. In conclusion, this has been a labor of love by our ABO directors who, through the years, have guided increasing numbers of AAO members to the highest professional accomplishment--Board certification by peers.
AAO MEETING CALENDAR
1991mSeattle, Wash., May 11 to 15, Seattle Convention Center 1992--St. Louis, Mo., May 10 to 13, St. Louis Convention Center 1993--Toronto, Canada, May 16 to 19, Metropolitan Toronto Convention Center 1994mOrlando, Fla., May 1 to 4, Orange County Convention and Civic Center 1995--San Francisco, Calif., May 7 to 10, Moscone Convention Center 1996--Denver, Colo., May 12-15, Colorado Convention Center
