Board-Certified Orthodontist in Decatur & Hartselle, AL
Valley Orthodontics is led by Dr. Lew Sample, a board-certified orthodontist - a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). He also earned the Shepard Award for the highest score in the nation on the ABO Phase 2 examination. Board certification is a voluntary step beyond the years of specialty training every orthodontist completes, and it’s a signal you can look for when choosing where to trust your smile.
Not every orthodontist is board certified - so understanding what the credential means helps you make a confident choice. Here’s what board certification is, what it took Dr. Sample to earn it, and how you can verify any orthodontist’s status for yourself.
What Is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
Every orthodontist is first a dentist who has completed two to three additional years of accredited specialty training in orthodontics. Board certification goes a step further. It’s a voluntary process - not every orthodontist chooses to pursue it - in which the doctor demonstrates their clinical judgment, skill, and knowledge to an independent panel of examiners through detailed case reports and rigorous testing.
There is only one certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association in the specialty: the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Established in 1929, the ABO is the oldest specialty board in dentistry, and its mission is to raise the standard of orthodontic care through certification, education, and professional collaboration.
Meet Your Board-Certified Orthodontist: Dr. Lew Sample
At Valley Orthodontics, your care is led by Dr. Lew Sample, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics with decades of experience treating smiles across North Alabama. He earned the Shepard Award for achieving the highest score in the nation on the ABO Phase 2 written examination - a distinction that reflects the depth of his training and expertise. Meet Dr. Sample to learn more about his education, honors, and approach to care.
That credential matters most where cases get difficult. For severe bites, impacted teeth, or complex and retreatment cases, the orthodontist’s training is the single biggest factor in the outcome.
What the ABO Certification Process Involves
Board certification isn’t a one-time formality - it’s a demanding process that certified orthodontists renew throughout their careers:
- Written examination. A comprehensive exam covering the full breadth of orthodontic knowledge.
- Clinical examination. The orthodontist presents detailed case reports from their own practice, documenting a history of excellent, real-world results. These cases are evaluated by a panel and defended in an oral examination spanning a wide range of academic and clinical topics.
- Certification renewal. Certification is renewed periodically (every ten years), requiring the orthodontist to continue demonstrating excellence in patient care to maintain their standing.
Why Board Certification Matters for Your Treatment
Choosing a board-certified orthodontist gives you added confidence that your care is guided by demonstrated skill and current best practices. Certification reflects:
- A proven knowledge base and clinical skill set, tested against a national standard.
- A commitment to staying current with the latest advances and bringing them to patients.
- A personal dedication to the specialty and to the highest standard of patient care.
It’s peace of mind - the assurance that the person planning your treatment has voluntarily held their work up to independent, expert review.
How to Verify an Orthodontist’s Board Certification
You don’t have to take anyone’s word for it. You can confirm any orthodontist’s certification yourself:
- Look them up on the ABO Orthodontist Locator - the American Board of Orthodontics’ public directory of certified Diplomates.
- Check the American Association of Orthodontists directory, which notes board-certified status.
We encourage patients to verify credentials - it’s your smile, and you deserve to know exactly who’s caring for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a board-certified orthodontist?
Every orthodontist has completed specialty training and is licensed to practice. A board-certified orthodontist has voluntarily gone a step further - proving their clinical skill and judgment to the American Board of Orthodontics through case reports and rigorous examination, and renewing that certification over time.
How can I check whether an orthodontist is board certified?
Search the American Board of Orthodontics’ public Orthodontist Locator at americanboardortho.com, or check the AAO directory. Dr. Lew Sample is listed as an ABO Diplomate.
Is board certification required to practice orthodontics?
No - it’s entirely voluntary. All orthodontists must be licensed, but certification is an optional, additional achievement that not every orthodontist pursues.
Is Dr. Sample board certified?
Yes. Dr. Lew Sample is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and earned the Shepard Award for the highest national score on the ABO Phase 2 examination.
Does board certification really matter for my treatment?
It’s a meaningful signal. Certification tells you the orthodontist’s work has been independently reviewed against a national standard - reassurance that’s especially valuable for complex cases and long treatment plans.
Experience Board-Certified Care
Start with a free consultation with a board-certified orthodontist - no cost, no obligation.
Decatur Office - 2014 Danville Park Dr SW, Decatur, AL 35603 · (256) 355-5255 Hartselle Office - 220 Karl Prince Dr SW, Hartselle, AL 35640 · (256) 773-8613