Choosing the right orthodontist for you 1 set up an initial consultation before you decide on a particular orthodontist you will want to set up an initial 2 ask the right questions you will want to make sure you ask all the necessary questions during your initial 3 evaluate the office . How do i know my orthodontist is an aao orthodontist check the find an orthodontist service if you find your orthodontist there it means he or she is an aao orthodontist are there board certified orthodontists yes these orthodontists have completed the american board of orthodontics specialty certification exams board certified orthodontists are known as diplomates of the american board of orthodontics the american board of orthodontics is the only orthodontic specialty certifying . How to choose an orthodontist the american association of orthodontists aao recommends that your child get a check up with an orthodontist at the first recognition of the existence of an orthodontic problem but no later than age 7 however you are never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist is a dentist who must attend two to three additional years of training at an accredited university residency program and then pass national board examinations in order to become certified as an orthodontist they are typically in the top 5 of their dental class