Meet Your Natalie Yang Orthodontic Expert in Vacaville, CA

Dr. Natalie Yang, DDS, MS - Orthodontist in Vacaville CA

Your Board-Certified Orthodontist in Vacaville : Dr. Natalie Yang

Dr. Natalie Yang is a Board Certified Orthodontist by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Only 33% of orthodontists achieve this certification.  She is dedicated to helping adultsteens, and kids achieve their smiles of a lifetime in Vacaville, CA.  Dr. Yang’s philosophy is that every person is unique and needs a personalized approach.  Therefore, when you schedule your complimentary exam, you can expect to hear a treatment plan just for you.

Personally, Dr. Yang is a native of the bay area and grew up in Fremont, CA. She lived in Michigan for residency, but quickly found that she did not like the cold. After graduation, Dr. Yang worked at various offices before opening her own orthodontic office in Vacaville, CA. 

Dr. Yang is very proud of her extensive education, which includes:

  • Bachelor’s degree from University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA
  • Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco
  • Master’s degree in Orthodontics & orthodontic certificate from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a world-renowned program (Go Blue!). She was also elected class president and was acting chief resident.

Dr. Yang is a proud member of the:

  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
  • California Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association
  • California Dental Association
  • Contra Costa Dental Society

When not helping patients, our Vacaville orthodontist enjoys HBO documentaries, trying new restaurants, and hiking with her husband and cute shepherd dogs. She is also a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, which she still practices to this day.

Our Vacaville, CA office orthodontist is ABO Board-Certified.

Are all orthodontists Board Certified?

Board-Certified Orthodontist in Vacaville, CA - Natalie Yang Orthodontics

No.  Board certification is a voluntary achievement that not all orthodontists choose to pursue. However, all orthodontists must be licensed to practice.  In order to become board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), an orthodontist is thoroughly tested by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment. The most fair, reliable and valid testing methodology is utilized to test clinical proficiency in an objective manner. The ABO certification process signifies a unique achievement—a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics.

Dr. Natalie Yang is dedicated to the best care, and has taken this extra step to become a board-certified Vacaville orthodontist.

How many certifying boards are recognized by the American Dental Association in the specialty of orthodontics?

One. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is the only certifying board in the specialty that is recognized by the American Dental Association. The ABO was founded in 1929 and is the oldest specialty board in dentistry. The board’s purpose is to elevate the quality of orthodontic care for the public by promoting excellence through certification, education and professional collaboration.

Why would an orthodontist choose to complete this voluntary certification process?

Successful completion of the examination process demonstrates the orthodontist’s personal commitment to excellence in orthodontics – to both the orthodontic profession and the general public. It exemplifies a practitioner’s commitment to continue to keep abreast of the latest advances in patient care, and to continue to deliver these latest advances to patients. Many orthodontists see it as a demonstration of their dedication to the specialty and the highest level of personal achievement.

What steps are required to complete the ABO certification process?

Since the establishment of the ABO in 1929, the certification process requirements have continued to adjust to the demands of the specialty. Today, the process involves a thorough Written Examination (240 questions) covering all areas of orthodontics and dental facial orthopedics which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful completion of this board examination allows the orthodontist to proceed to the Scenario-based Oral Clinical Examination where they are objectively evaluated on their knowledge, abilities and critical thinking skills based on proficiency and clinical excellence in four core performance areas/domains. Both examinations take significant preparation and time. After successful completion of these examinations, the orthodontist has officially achieved Board Certification, for a limited time period. The orthodontist must go through Certification Renewal every 10 years to maintain their certification status by demonstrating this continued level of patient care.

For further information about The American Board of Orthodontics and Board Certification, click here.