About Board Certification in Orthodontics

A board-certified orthodontist has voluntarily gone beyond the training required to practice - completing rigorous written exams, case reviews, and clinical evaluations through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). At Advanced Orthodontics Kent, Dr. Gabriela Aragon is proud to be board-certified, a credential that reflects a real commitment to clinical excellence.

What Does It Mean to Be Board-Certified?

At Advanced Orthodontics Kent, Dr. Gabriela Aragon is proud to be a board-certified orthodontist through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Board certification represents an additional level of achievement *beyond* the advanced education required to become an orthodontic specialist. Not every orthodontist chooses to complete this voluntary process - earning it requires demonstrating a high level of clinical skill, orthodontic knowledge, and commitment to patient care.

Is Every Orthodontist Board-Certified?

No. While all orthodontists must be licensed to practice, board certification is an additional credential many pursue voluntarily. Board-certified orthodontists complete a rigorous evaluation that includes comprehensive written examinations, detailed case reviews showing real patient results, clinical evaluations and oral examinations, and ongoing certification renewal. The process reflects a continued commitment to excellence and high-quality patient care.

Why Board Certification Matters for You

Board certification demonstrates that an orthodontist has gone beyond the standard requirements of the specialty. It reflects dedication to advanced clinical knowledge, proven treatment results, continuing education and modern techniques, and consistently high standards of care. For patients and families, it offers added confidence when choosing where to invest in a smile - you know your provider has voluntarily held their work up to independent, expert review.

What Is the American Board of Orthodontics?

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association. Founded in 1929, the ABO promotes excellence in orthodontics through certification, education, and professional standards. Orthodontists who maintain board certification must renew it periodically, helping ensure they stay current with advances in orthodontic care and technology.

Expertise Behind Your Care in Kent

Dr. Gabriela Aragon combines that board certification with University of Washington training, modern orthodontic technology, and genuinely personalized care. Whether you’re considering braces, Invisalign, or airway-focused treatment, you can feel confident your care is grounded in skill, experience, and integrity. Meet Dr. Aragon.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an Orthodontist

Choosing an orthodontist is a meaningful decision for your family, and a few questions can help you compare providers with confidence. Is the orthodontist board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics? How many years have they focused specifically on orthodontics? Do they offer the options you’re interested in, such as metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign, or airway-focused care? What technology do they use to plan and monitor treatment? And do they take time to explain your options, costs, and timeline clearly before you begin? At Advanced Orthodontics Kent, Dr. Gabriela Aragon welcomes these questions. As a board-certified orthodontist, she believes informed patients make the best decisions for their smiles, and she is happy to walk you through your options during a free, no-pressure consultation.

Experience Board-Certified Care in Kent

Choose a board-certified orthodontist for your family’s smile. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Gabriela Aragon - call (253) 852-7210. Advanced Orthodontics Kent, 331 3rd Ave S, downtown Kent.

the abo board certification process