How Continuing Education Works for Orthodontists: How Good Doctors Stay Good
Orthodontics doesn’t stand still—new tools, safer techniques, and better treatment planning come out all the time. That’s why great orthodontists keep learning long after school: continuing education (CE) is how good doctors stay good.
Continuing education is required (and ongoing)
Orthodontists are dentists first, so they must meet state licensing requirements to keep practicing. In New York, dentists must complete 60 hours of continuing education every 3-year registration period (with limits on self-study).
Many orthodontists go beyond the minimum—because staying current benefits patients.
What orthodontists learn in CE
Continuing education typically focuses on:
Better, more comfortable tooth movement (braces and clear aligner techniques)
New technology (digital scans, 3D planning, tracking progress)
Oral health protection during treatment (avoiding cavities and white spots)
Growth and timing for kids and teens (when to treat—and why)
Bite and jaw function (how alignment impacts chewing and comfort)
Where CE happens
Orthodontists earn CE through conferences, hands-on workshops, study clubs, and evidence-based seminars. Some education providers are recognized through ADA CERP, which sets quality standards for CE providers.
Board certification adds another layer
For orthodontists who are ABO board-certified, there’s also a certification renewal process every 10 years (unless they have lifetime certification). That structure reinforces ongoing learning and accountability over time.
Why this matters for your family
Continuing education helps orthodontists:
Recommend braces or clear aligners based on what fits your lifestyle and needs
Reduce preventable issues (breakages, discomfort, hygiene problems)
Guide teens on compliance—especially with aligners
Deliver results that are more predictable and easier to maintain long-term
Nexus Orthodontics in New Hyde Park
At Nexus Orthodontics, we focus on using the right tool for the job—braces or clear aligners—based on the correction needed and what your family can realistically stick with.
FAQs
Do orthodontists have to do continuing education?
Yes. In New York, dentists must complete 60 CE hours every 3 years.
Is board certification the same as a dental license?
No. A license allows practice; ABO board certification is an additional credential with renewal every 10 years (unless lifetime).