ABO & Angle Certification

American Board of Orthodontics Doctor Certification

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) was founded in 1929. It is the oldest and most prestigious specialty board in dentistry. The ABO’s aim is to elevate the standards of the practice of orthodontia, to familiarize the public with its aim and ideals, and to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners.

The board upholds four main objectives supported by its mission:

  • To evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates
  • To re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate’s career
  • To support the development of quality graduate, post-graduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics
  • To promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world

Becoming Board Certified

To become board certified, an orthodontist has to pass a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations, as well as a comprehensive review of his or her credentials. The initial process of becoming board certified can take anywhere from five to ten years.

What does it mean that Dr. Kawata is board certified?

A board-certified orthodontist, also known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, has been voluntarily examined by his or her peers on the basis of knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics. Only one in three orthodontists, including Dr. Kawata, have completed this rigorous process and are fully board certified!
 

The Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists (EHASO)

Dr. Kawata is a past President of the Southern California component of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists (EHASO.) and continues to serve on the board of directors. In addition to being a Board Certified Diplomate, Dr. Kawata is one of a select group of orthodontists chosen worldwide to be members of the prestigious Edward H. Angle Society. The Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists grew out of a distinguished Angle School alumni organization begun in 1922. The members were dedicated to Dr. Angle's goals of excellence and progress in the art and science of orthodontics. In 1930, The Angle Orthodontist was inaugurated by the Angle Society as a means of furthering these aims.

Today, EHASO is a global society, which adheres to its founding traditions. Membership, drawn from the entire community of orthodontists worldwide, are identified as able and willing contributors to the advancement of orthodontics. Only orthodontists with these qualities are invited into the membership.

The Angle Society presently has only 660 members worldwide, of which approximately five percent of orthodontists in the United States are members.

Becoming a member of the Angle Society

Membership into the prestigious Angle Society is by invitation only. Only a select few orthodontists are chosen worldwide, only after displaying academic and clinical excellence. To achieve full membership, chosen orthodontists must complete and present clinical case reports, an oral report, and a written report in a format suitable for publication. Members must continue to present two case reports annually to maintain their membership. 

What does it mean that Dr. Kawata is an Angle Orthodontist and on the Board of Directors?

Dr. Kawata has served as past President of the Southern California component of the Angle Society, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Being a member of the EHASO, and serving on the Board of Directors, signifies Dr. Kawata’s ongoing pursuit of personal, professional, and academic excellence in orthodontics. He has  won multiple awards within the society for clinical excellence. Dr. Kawata considers his involvement and accomplishments in the Angle Society his greatest professional honors.
 

"I highly recommend this office to anyone who is searching for orthodontic treatment. They treat all ages, I couldn't see myself or my family going anywhere else." — Andrea C.

"Dr. Kawata has been a part of my family for two generations! I was blessed to be his patient as a teenager and now my children are blessed to be his patients. I know that we are getting the best care available." — S.E.

"My experiences with Dr. Kawata’s office have been overwhelmingly positive. From the friendly and helpful staff to the wonderful orthodontic care." — Diana R.

"Dr. Kawata’s practice makes you truly feel like part of a family!"
— Angie A.

"My experience has been great! Everyone in the office is very nice, kind, and caring." — Maria O.

"I had a really great experience here over the past few years. Everyone in the office is so welcoming and friendly. I wouldn’t have wanted to get my braces anywhere else." — Cassie F.

"All four of our kids have had their orthodontic work through Dr. Kawata. In all the years we’ve been coming, his office has consistently been a pleasure to come to and I am happy to recommend his services to all my friends." — Cindy B.