Maintaining orthodontist certification in Michigan requires dentists to certify that they have completed a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education (CE) during the three-year leave period. The only accrediting organization that accepts foreign degrees in dentistry is the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECE). To be accepted, applicants must submit official academic records from their dental school, along with translations that meet the special instructions in the application. If an examinee fails any part of Part I of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), they can retake it separately for additional fees. Michigan dentists must renew their licenses every three years and certify compliance with state continuing education standards by submitting their license renewal application.
During this period, dentists must keep a record of CE activities and current CPR certifications that meet state mandatory continuing education standards. Renewing certification is an essential part of the process, demonstrating an ongoing mastery of orthodontics and a commitment to lifelong learning. Examinees who have three or more cases “on file” have two options for completing the board certification process. Orthodontists who are licensed as such in Michigan cannot also practice general dentistry. Renewing certification provides an opportunity for board-certified orthodontists to continue training, stay up to date with the latest technologies, and reevaluate their approach and critical case evaluation.
Additionally, all orthodontists can now go through the certification process regardless of their practice environment and career stage. Certification by the American Board of Orthodontics is not a mandatory component of orthodontist credentials when it comes to obtaining licenses.
