At Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists, every treatment plan is built on experience, precision, and trust. One of the most important signals of our commitment to those principles is board certification. But what does it actually mean when an orthodontist is board-certified—and why should patients care? Let’s explore the real value behind this title and how it can impact your treatment experience and outcomes.
What Does It Mean to Be Board-Certified?
Going Beyond the Basics
All orthodontists are dentists first, but not all dentists are orthodontists, and not all orthodontists are board-certified. To become a board-certified orthodontist, providers must complete specialized training after dental school and then pursue additional testing through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). This process includes rigorous written and clinical exams, as well as the submission of real patient cases for expert review.
Board certification in orthodontics is entirely voluntary, which means that those who pursue it are going above and beyond. According to the American Board of Orthodontics, fewer than 50% of practicing orthodontists in the U.S. are board-certified. It’s a clear mark of distinction that signifies a dedication to the highest standard of care.
The Process and Its Purpose
Certification isn’t something orthodontists do once and forget. ABO board-certified orthodontists must renew their status regularly to prove they’re staying on top of evolving treatment standards. This includes keeping pace with emerging research, applying updated clinical protocols, and demonstrating continued excellence through case submissions or testing.
For patients, this means you’re being treated by someone who hasn’t just passed exams—they’ve proved they can deliver real results that last.
Why It’s Voluntary—and Why That Matters
Many people assume all orthodontists are board-certified, but in reality, it’s not a requirement. That’s what makes it so valuable. Choosing to go through the rigorous ABO certification process means your orthodontist is holding themselves to the highest level of scrutiny, not because they have to—but because they want to. That voluntary commitment reflects a genuine passion for orthodontics and a deep respect for the people they treat.
How Certification Impacts Your Orthodontic Experience
Confidence in Complex Cases
Orthodontic care isn’t always straightforward. In cases with impacted teeth, jaw imbalances, or early intervention needs, it takes more than basic credentials to plan successful treatment. Board-certified orthodontists are equipped with the training, experience, and clinical insight to diagnose and resolve complex issues from the start.
At Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists, our board-certified team is trusted by patients across Illinois to handle everything from early expansion to surgical orthodontics.
Planning With the Long Term in Mind
Board-certified orthodontists treat the whole picture, not just what’s immediately visible. Their approach accounts for future growth in children, long-term retention in adults, and bite function that holds up over time. Instead of reacting to problems as they arise, board-certified providers build plans that prevent them in the first place.
This is where patients see the biggest difference. Fewer adjustments mid-treatment, shorter overall timelines, and more predictable results—these aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential to a smooth, satisfying experience.
Ethics and Transparency
The American Board of Orthodontics doesn’t just evaluate skill—they also promote ethical conduct. When you work with a board-certified provider, you’re choosing someone who has pledged to follow the highest standards of professionalism and transparency.
At Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists, this means honest recommendations, clear communication, and treatment options that are focused on your goals—not unnecessary upsells or shortcuts.
Why Parents Should Care About Certification
Trust Built on Training
If you’re a parent, you know how important it is to feel confident in the people caring for your child. Whether you’re bringing in a 7-year-old for their first consult or managing a teen’s aligner treatment, you want assurance that every step is grounded in knowledge and foresight. Board-certified orthodontists deliver that level of trust.
They’ve proven—through real-world case reviews—that they know how to plan, adapt, and execute treatment with consistency and care.
Kid-Friendly Precision
Certification doesn’t mean your orthodontist is more clinical or detached. In fact, the opposite is often true. Providers who go the extra mile to earn certification tend to bring a strong blend of precision and people skills to every visit. They know how to explain the “why” behind each step in treatment—and how to keep kids calm and motivated throughout.
Our team at Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists is known for this kind of care. It’s why so many families return for second, third, and even fourth sets of braces as siblings grow up.
Setting the Standard
The benefits of board certification go beyond the chair. When your child receives care from a board-certified orthodontist, they’re experiencing what it means to expect professionalism, kindness, and excellence from healthcare providers. That kind of example sticks with kids. It sets the tone for how they engage with doctors and specialists well into adulthood.
Board Certification vs. Standard Licensing
Understanding the Difference
Every orthodontist must be licensed to practice—but licensing alone only requires a degree and state board approval. Board certification, on the other hand, proves mastery. It’s a deeper level of testing and peer-reviewed evaluation that shows the orthodontist can deliver high-quality results in real life—not just on paper.
Think of it as the difference between being qualified and being exceptional.
What It Means for You
Patients might not always see the behind-the-scenes details, but the difference plays out in everyday treatment. A board-certified provider is more likely to diagnose early, adjust efficiently, and adapt your plan without compromising the end result.
That leads to smoother appointments, better communication, and fewer surprises along the way. In short, it makes a real difference.
Choosing the Right Team in Illinois
A Local Practice with National-Level Credentials
We’re proud to serve communities across Illinois with a team that includes board-certified orthodontic experts who love what we do and care about your smile. Whether you’re visiting us in O’Fallon, Alton, Chesterfield, Wentzville, Carlinville, Lake St. Louis, or Warrenton, you’re getting the same commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
We’re a local practice with deep roots, but our training and certification reflect national standards.
What Sets Us Apart
Our providers are more than just clinicians—they’re educators, mentors, and lifelong learners. Through continuing education, leadership in professional organizations, and community involvement, we help raise the standard of care in orthodontics both inside and outside our offices.
When you walk through our doors, you’re not just getting braces or aligners. You’re getting the support of a team that takes every aspect of your smile—and your experience—seriously.
Meet the Experts Behind Your Smile
When you choose Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists, you’re entrusting your care to a team of four board-certified orthodontists—each bringing unique skill, insight, and experience to your treatment.
Dr. Darren Rodabough
Dr. Darren has built an international reputation through his work with Invisalign® and SureSmile®, serving as both a premier provider and clinical instructor. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, he’s been voted one of St. Louis’s top dentists year after year. At our practice, Dr. Rodabough is known for combining cutting-edge technology with a friendly, approachable demeanor, making each appointment efficient, informative, and enjoyable for patients of all ages.
Dr. Alex Oldroyd
Dr. Alex is praised for his exceptional attention to detail and his commitment to ensuring every patient feels heard and confident along their orthodontic journey. As a board-certified orthodontist, he brings clinical excellence and a gentle, personal touch to every case. Patients appreciate how he takes time to explain treatment steps thoroughly, ensuring they understand and trust the process.
Dr. Courtney Ethington
Born and trained in Kentucky before making St. Louis her home, Dr. Courtney earned her orthodontic credentials and Master’s at Saint Louis University. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, she’s known for blending professionalism with genuine warmth—connecting with patients through conversation, encouragement, and personalized attention. Whether chatting about local restaurants or Taylor Swift, she ensures each appointment is positive and memorable. bankheadortho.com
Dr. Jacob Bleyer
Hailing from southern Illinois and trained at Texas A&M, Dr. Jacob brings a friendly, regional charm to his work, often greeting patients with a “y’all” and a welcoming smile. He’s also a board-certified orthodontist who believes in clear communication and teamwork. Dr. Jacob encourages patients to share their stories, questions, and even local restaurant tips, making the orthodontic experience both effective and personal.
Ready to Begin? We’re Here to Help
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist gives you peace of mind—and better results. At Bankhead Orthodontic Specialists, our board-certified team is here to guide you every step of the way with personalized care, advanced planning, and a smile you can trust.
Schedule your free consultation today and discover the difference board certification makes.