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What does it mean to be a Board Certified orthodontist?
Dr. Brenna Christensen is a board-certified orthodontist at West Cobb Orthodontics in Kennesaw, Georgia. Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is a voluntary, rigorous process that fewer than 30% of practicing orthodontists complete. It requires passing written and clinical examinations that assess a practitioner's ability to diagnose, treat, and finish orthodontic cases to the highest standard. Choosing a board-certified orthodontist means your care is being provided by a clinician who has been independently verified to meet the profession's top standards.
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Dr. Brenna Christensen — Credentials at a Glance
- Board Certification: American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) — voluntary, rigorous, held by fewer than 30% of orthodontists
- Specialty: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics — a two-to-three year specialty residency beyond dental school
- Services: Invisalign, 3M Clarity Aligners, traditional braces, ceramic braces, early orthodontic treatment, adult orthodontics, same-day emergency care
- Location: West Cobb Orthodontics, Kennesaw, GA — serving Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, Powder Springs, and West Cobb County
Accepting: New patients of all ages — children, teens, and adults
How many certifying boards in orthodontics does the American Dental Association® recognize?
The only certifying board that the American Dental Association recognizes is the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Operating as a specialty board in dentistry since 1929, the ABO has one goal: to promote high-quality orthodontic care through professional collaboration, education and certification.
Why pursue certification?
Becoming board certified is a demonstration of an orthodontist’s personal commitment to orthodontic excellence. It is a sign to the public, potential patients and other orthodontic professionals that the orthodontist is invested in keeping on top of the latest orthodontic advances and delivering exceptional patient care. For many certified orthodontists, their certification is great personal achievement as well.
What does the ABO certification process look like?
As the orthodontic field has changed over time, so has the ABO certification requirements. These days, the process begins with a written examination of 240 questions that cover all aspects of dental facial orthopedics and orthodontics. If the qualifying orthodontist successfully completes this examination, they are invited to take a second, scenario-based oral clinical examination that puts the application of their knowledge and critical thinking skills to the test, evaluating their clinical proficiency in four core performance areas. Both tests take a significant amount of preparation and time. Every 10 years, the Board Certified orthodontist is asked to renew their certification by demonstrating their continued dedication to patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Board-Certified Orthodontists
What does it mean to be a board-certified orthodontist?
Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics means an orthodontist has voluntarily passed a comprehensive written and clinical examination process beyond their specialty training. It is not required to practice, which is why fewer than 30% of orthodontists achieve it. It is the profession's highest voluntary credential.
Is Dr. Brenna Christensen board-certified?
Yes. Dr. Brenna Christensen is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and practices at West Cobb Orthodontics in Kennesaw, GA. She provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults, including Invisalign, 3M Clarity Aligners, and traditional braces.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes an additional two-to-three year residency after dental school focused exclusively on diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. While a general dentist may offer some orthodontic services, an orthodontist's training is dedicated entirely to tooth movement and bite correction.
How do I know if an orthodontist is board-certified?
You can verify board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics website at americanboardortho.com. Board-certified orthodontists display the ABO seal in their office and on their website. At West Cobb Orthodontics, Dr. Christensen's certification is listed on her credentials page and the ABO directory.
Why should I choose a board-certified orthodontist?
Board certification is an independent, third-party verification that your orthodontist meets the highest clinical standards. It means they have demonstrated not just theoretical knowledge but hands-on ability to diagnose complex cases and achieve excellent treatment outcomes — something that is voluntarily proven, not assumed.
Does West Cobb Orthodontics accept new patients?
Yes. West Cobb Orthodontics in Kennesaw, GA is currently accepting new patients of all ages, including children, teens, and adults. Free consultations are available. Call our office or book online to schedule your visit.