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Discovering Smiles Each Day
At Castro Valley Orthodontics, we are a full-service, specialty practice engaged exclusively in orthodontics. To put it simply, we specialize in making you smile!
Dr. Susan So and our team focus on providing exceptional patient care in a warm, caring, and comfortable environment, and we genuinely enjoy being a part of your orthodontic experience. Every patient is treated as individuals, and we care about your individual needs by listening and understanding what your expectations are, and then exceeding them in the service we provide. We are closely connected to our patients and take great care of them from beginning to end. We want what is best for our patients and do so ethically and responsibly.
Our Awesome Team
Dr. So is a board-certified specialist in orthodontics: In addition to completing specialty training in an accredited program (Harvard University), she has reached the highest level of proficiency in her field. She goes the extra mile to make sure her patients’ results are nothing short of excellent!
Everyone has a different perspective — some patients know what it is like to have braces, some don’t. We don’t assume that everyone understands the process. We patiently explain our procedures and answer all questions. We also encourage parents to come to their children’s appointments and ask questions, get updates, and understand what is going on with their child’s care.
Our office is a great time
We want you to look forward to your appointments and have a positive experience every time you come to see us, which is why we’ve designed an office that is as fun as it is professional. For our young patients, we offer portable video games, in addition to family-friendly movies for siblings to enjoy in the reception area. Plus, we host an annual ice cream social for patient appreciation with prizes, face painting, and henna!
With more than ten years of experience, we understand what our patients expect, and we are able to meet their needs by providing a wide array of orthodontic treatment options for all ages. We utilize only the highest quality materials and most modern techniques, including advanced treatment methods with Invisalign and diagnostics with digital X-rays and 3D scanning for the best possible outcomes.
We also understand that our patients’ time is as important as ours, which is why we try to stay on schedule and accommodate our patients’ busy lives. We offer early-morning appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in addition to our regular after-school hours for patients’ convenience.
American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Certification
The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) was founded in 1929. It is the oldest and most prestigious specialty board in dentistry. The ABO’s aim is to elevate the standards of the practice of orthodontia, to familiarize the public with its aim and ideals, and to protect the public against irresponsible and unqualified practitioners. Dr. So is a board-certified orthodontist, meaning she has gone above the regular requirements to become an orthodontist.
The board upholds four main objectives supported by its mission:
- To evaluate the knowledge and clinical skills of graduates of accredited orthodontic programs by conducting exams and conferring time-limited certificates
- To re-evaluate clinical knowledge and skills through administration of recertification exams throughout a Diplomate’s career
- To support the development of quality graduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in orthodontics
- To promote and encourage certification expertise throughout the world
To become board certified, an orthodontist has to pass a rigorous set of written and clinical examinations, as well as a comprehensive review of his or her credentials. The initial process of becoming board certified can take anywhere from five to ten years. Once certified, the orthodontist must become recertified every ten years to maintain board-certified status.
what does it mean to be board-certified?
A board-certified orthodontist, also known as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, has been voluntarily examined by his or her peers on the basis of knowledge and clinical skills. Becoming board certified signifies the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.
