About Board Certification
What Board Certification Means for Your Care
If you’re looking for a board certified orthodontist near you, understanding the credential can help you choose care with confidence.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, Dr. John Lazzara and Dr. Amy Poblenz are both board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Each has voluntarily completed an examination process that reflects a personal commitment to professional standards, thoughtful patient care, and continued learning.
What Is a Board-Certified Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialized residency training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics: the alignment of teeth and development of the jaws.
A board-certified orthodontist has taken another voluntary step: successfully completing the American Board of Orthodontics’ written and clinical examinations. These examinations assess orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills, and the judgment involved in diagnosing problems and planning treatment.
What Does Board Certification Mean for You?
Board certification gives you another meaningful qualification to consider when choosing an orthodontist, alongside their experience, approach to treatment, and willingness to answer your questions.
It means their knowledge and clinical judgment have been evaluated against the ABO’s standards and reflects a commitment to continued learning.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, our doctors put that commitment into practice by:
- Evaluating your teeth, bite, and how they function together.
- Developing a treatment plan around your individual needs and goals.
- Explaining their recommendations so you understand your options.
- Continuing to refine their knowledge as orthodontic care evolves.
The Path to Board Certification
The pathway includes dental school, specialized orthodontic residency training, and successful completion of the ABO’s written and clinical examinations. Certification renewal supports continued professional development and self-assessment.
Two Board-Certified Orthodontists, One Shared Standard
Dr. Lazzara and Dr. Poblenz bring two perspectives to collaborative treatment planning, with a shared focus on smiles that look beautiful and function well.
For patients and families, that means thoughtful recommendations, clear explanations, and doctors who take the time to understand the person behind the smile.
Dr. John Lazzara
Board-Certified Orthodontist
A third-generation orthodontist with family roots in this community spanning over 40 years, and a reputation built on doing things the right way, Dr. Lazzara sets a high standard and takes the time to get it right.
“We’re here to make you look great.”
Dr. Amy Poblenz
Board-Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Poblenz takes the time to listen, understand your goals, and create a treatment plan that feels right for you. With advanced training in dentofacial orthopedics, she focuses on guiding healthy, long-term results.
Let’s Create a Smile You’ll Feel Great About
Book your complimentary consultation with our orthodontic office in Jacksonville Beach or Nocatee in Ponte Vedra.