What does 'board certified'

Really Mean?

Going Beyond What’s Required

Not every pediatric dentist or orthodontist is board certified.

Becoming a dental specialist already requires years of advanced education and training. Board certification goes a step further. It’s a voluntary process that challenges specialists to demonstrate their knowledge, clinical skills, judgment, and commitment to exceptional patient care.

At San Ramon Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, both of our specialists are board certified in their respective fields—and we think that’s something worth smiling about.

Meet Our Board-Certified Specialists

Dr. Joanne Rahman
‍Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

‍Dr. Joanne has demonstrated advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in caring specifically for children. Maintaining board certification also means an ongoing commitment to continuing education and staying current with changes in pediatric dental care.

Dr. Jeffrey Leong
‍Board-Certified Orthodontist

‍Dr. Leong has completed the rigorous certification process through the American Board of Orthodontics, demonstrating his expertise in diagnosing, planning, and treating a wide variety of orthodontic needs.

So… Why Does Board Certification Matter?

Extra Commitment

Board certification is voluntary. It represents a specialist choosing to go beyond the basic requirements of their profession.

Proven Expertise

Doctors are evaluated on their knowledge, clinical skills, treatment planning, and professional judgment.

Specialized Care

Your child is being cared for by doctors who have dedicated their careers to their specialties—not simply dentists who also provide these services.

Always Learning

Maintaining certification requires an ongoing commitment to education and advancements in dental and orthodontic care.

High Standards

Board certification reflects a commitment to meeting rigorous professional standards in patient care.

Peace of Mind

For parents, it’s one more reason to feel confident about the people caring for your child’s smile.

It’s More Than Letters After a Name

Board certification isn’t just another credential to hang on the wall. It represents a commitment to continually becoming better at what we do.

‍For our doctors, that means continuing to learn, grow, and provide the thoughtful, specialized care every patient deserves.

For you? It means knowing your family’s smiles are in highly trained hands.

Two Specialists. One Exceptional Standard of Care.

From your child’s first dental visits to braces, Invisalign, and beyond, our board-certified specialists work together to help every smile grow healthy, happy, and confident.

What steps are required to complete the board certification process?

Since the establishment of the ABPD and ABO in 1940 and 1929, respectively, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialties. Today, the process involves a thorough written examination covering all areas of information which a pediatric dentist and orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this “qualifying exam” allows the candidate to proceed to the second part of the board evaluation.

The ABPD Oral Clinical Exam consists of multiple clinical scenarios presented from a panel of examiners. Examiners will ask open ended questions to assess the candidate’s knowledge and skills on all aspects of pediatric dentistry. Upon successful completion of this, the pediatric dentist has achieved Board Certification. In order to maintain board status, the pediatric dentist must complete yearly requirements in the form of examinations and continuing education to meet the rapidly changing science and technology, and to provide the highest quality care to the patients.

During the ABO Clinical Examination, the candidate presents detailed case reports from their practice/residency, demonstrating a history of excellence in patient care. These cases are evaluated by a panel of examiners and later discussed during an oral examination where the applicant is tested on a wide variety of academic and clinical topics. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a time-limited period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.For further information about The American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.

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Come see why so many San Ramon families trust us with their smiles.