European Orthodontic Society founded the European Board of Orthodontists
EBO strives to enhance standards of orthodontic treatment throughout Europe

The European Orthodontic Society (EOS) was founded May 16, 1907. The first meeting of the Society was held in Berlin, Germany, at the Grand Hotel de Russie on September 27, 1907. Since that time the Society has grown and now has 2,700 members from all over the world. The membership consists of active, associate, postgraduate, life and honorary members.
The object of the Society is to advance all aspects of orthodontics and its relation with the collateral arts and sciences. It has, over the years, become interested in orthodontic standards and training.

In 1993, the Society set up a committee to look at the problems involved with implementing the decisions of the Erasmus program for the training of orthodontists in Europe. The committee suggested how the examination of orthodontists in Europe could be undertaken, and a document was prepared suggesting the way in which orthodontists could be examined. As there is a multiplicity of nationalities, languages and training, it was felt, at that time, the implementation of the suggestions across Europe would not be possible.

However, to enhance the standards of orthodontic treatment, the Society approved the establishment of the European Board of Orthodontists (EBO) in 1996. The EBO was incorporated into the Society's constitution. The first examination was held in Valencia the following year.

The objectives of the EBO are:

1. to enhance the standards of orthodontic treatment throughout Europe by providing a standard against which the orthodontists who so desire can be judged, independently of national examinations and barriers;

2. to encourage the spirit of self-improvement among colleagues who are recognized specialists in orthodontics within countries in Europe;

3. to judge the standards of orthodontic treatment by an expert panel of European orthodontists, nominated by the Council of the European Orthodontic Society from members of the EBO;

4. to indicate that the orthodontist has demonstrated a clinical standard of excellence, but membership of the EBO does not grant the right of practice in any country.

The individuals who are eligible to take the examination are those who have undertaken a period of full-time training in orthodontics of at least three years duration or its equivalent, approved by the National Specialist Committee in Orthodontics or the appropriate body in the country in which the orthodontist resides. The candidate also submits to the EBO a full curriculum vita since obtaining his or her first registrable dental qualification and evidence of his or her training, the acceptability of which is considered by the Board.

Candidates confirm that the cases presented have been treated solely on the candidates' own responsibility after the period of speciality training and sign an agreement that declares the decisions of the Board will be accepted as final.

The examination consists of two parts. The first part is the presentation of the records of eight cases that cover a spectrum of malocclusion as listed below. Marks are allocated for the complexity of the cases and the excellence of the treatment results. Up to 10 percent of the marks are awarded for the quality of the presentation. During the second part (oral examination), the candidate is given one hour to diagnose and plan the treatment of two cases; the initial records are provided by the Board of Examiners. The examination focuses on the candidates' knowledge, understanding and ability to carry out orthodontic treatment to a high standard and to understand the theoretical principles underlying the treatment. The language used is English or another major European language (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

The required eight case presentations cover the following spectrum of malocclusion:

1. Early Treatment Malocclusion: Either a one- or two-stage treatment started in the primary or mixed dentition and completed in the permanent dentition. Initial records (A) taken prior to the start of phase one are required. If treatment is in two stages, interim records (B) are required following the completion of stage one or prior to the start of stage two. The final records (C) must be taken within one year after the end of treatment.

2. Adult Malocclusion: An adult not requiring orthognathic surgery, but requiring comprehensive therapy and significant diagnostic and biomechanical skills, which also may include interdisciplinary cooperation.

3. Class I Malocclusion: A malocclusion with a dento-alveolar protrusion, open bite, deep overbite or a significant arch length deficiency, or eruption problems requiring orthodontic treatment.

4. Class II Division 2 Malocclusion: Exhibiting an anterior deep overbite with at least two retroclined incisors and a Class II canine relationship.

5. Class II Division 1 Malocclusion: A malocclusion with a high mandibular angle, minimum FMA angle of 30 degrees and/or SN to Go-Gn angle of 37 degrees.

6. Class II Division 1 Malocclusion: A malocclusion with a significant mandibular arch length deficiency. In at least one of the two Class II.1 cases, the treatment should involve extractions in both dental arches.

7. A Severe Skeletal Discrepancy: A malocclusion with a severe antero-posterior and/or vertical discrepancy that includes comprehensive orthodontic therapy.

8. A Significant Transverse Discrepancy: A posterior crossbite that requires full appliance treatment.

In only one case should orthognathic surgery or extensive restorative treatment be part of the treatment performed. If a candidate is unable to present a case that fits into one of the categories, they may substitute another case from another category, but must give an explanation why it has been substituted and may only do this for one case.

Each of the cases requires the following records in English:

1. (a) a diagnostic description of the malocclusion and the functional status;
(b) a treatment plan, including the reasons for it;
(c) a resume of the actual treatment carried out, including any difficulties
encountered;

2. dental casts taken immediately before the commencement of treatment and at least
one year after the completion of treatment;

3. an initial lateral skull radiograph with the teeth in habitual occlusion is mandatory;

4. such other skull radiographs as may be necessary for subsequent monitoring;

5. tracings of the lateral skull radiograph (S) traced according to the candidate's usual practice;

6. periapical or panoramic radiographs of adequate diagnostic quality before and toward the end of treatment;

7. oriented full face, profile and intraoral color photographs (at least 5 cm x 8 cm) taken before, after treatment and at least one year after the completion of treatment; and

8. any additional patient records as may seem desirable.

When the candidates apply for the examination, they are sent forms on which to present their records, thus facilitating the examination process. Using the evaluation form, the examiners evaluate each of the presented cases. (See the example of the evaluation form.)

EBO Case Evaluation Form

The result of the examination could be "pass," "incomplete" or "deferred." If a candidate presents cases that are not complete with the required records, the candidate is told that the records are incomplete and none of the cases is examined. When a candidate is deferred, the Board will advise the candidate on re-examination. The candidate can only retake the examination twice, and the time interval between the re-examinations has to be at least two years.

The orthodontists who take the examination each year always comment that the experience was a challenging one, but they are glad that they have joined a group of orthodontists who have demonstrated to their peers the excellence of their treatments.
- Dr. James Moss, Honorary Secretary of the European Orthodontic Society