How to Become an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are the dental specialists in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics who are uniquely educated and qualified to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment.
Orthodontists are dentists who treat teeth positioning abnormalities described by the term “malocclusion” or “bad bite”.
They use dental braces and other orthodontic appliances to realign and straighten teeth for functional or cosmetic reasons.
Orthodontists deliver lifelong benefits to their patients. Orthodontic treatment can help prevent serious, costly health problems in later life,
and improve the patient’s physical and emotional health.
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Choosing a career in orthodontics
Achieving a career in orthodontics is demanding and challenging :
Becoming an orthodontist takes years of dedication and hard work.
Admission to orthodontic post-graduate programs is extremely competitive and selective.
Becoming an orthodontist requires an important financial investment for 8-10 years of college, dental school and orthodontic postdoctorate program
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Why become an orthodontist?
Following a career in orthodontics is not only challenging but also rewarding :
the financial rewards for the dental professionals who become orthodontists are significant.
Average salary of an orthodontist in U.S. is close to $200,000.
In other countries the orthodontists' income may not be that high, but it is always much higher than that of a general dentist.
orthodontists are also emotionally rewarded by providing better health, enhanced self-esteem and beautiful smiles to their patients
orthodontists are respected members of the community and health-care profession
The demand for dental care, especially in the fields of orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, will continue to be strong in the future,
ensuring professional stability and security for those seeking an orthodontics career.
Education Requirements to become an Orthodontist (in U.S.)
All orthodontists are, first of all, dentists, so you have first to get the same training in a dental school required to become a dentist,
and afterwards complete an additional 2-3 years orthodontics program.
Step 1: College
Before you can apply to a dental school to become a dentist, you must first have a bachelor's degree.
Most dental schools prefer to admit students with at least a bachelor's degree; however, some will accept students with a minimum of two years
of undergraduate education in a pre-dental or related program.
A Bachelor's or Master's degree in medical or nursing science are the best choices for those who want to become a dentist or an orthodontist.
Step 2: Dental School
All dental school applicants should first take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) administered by the American Dental Association.
Dental programs last an average of four years, and graduates earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
List of Dental schools in US - Dental schools in UK - Dental schools in Canada.
Step 3: Post-Doctorate Orthodontics Specialty Program
After completing a dental program, dentists who are interested to become an orthodontist may apply to orthodontic specialty programs.
Most orthodontic programs last two to three years, during which time future orthodontists learn about the complex skills required
to both manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).
Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty orthodontic education may call themselves orthodontists.
Step 4: Orthodontic Certification
The American Board of Orthodontics offers a voluntary certification to Orthodontists as a means to demonstrate proficiency
after passing a written and clinical exam.
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How long does it take
to Become an Orthodontist
2-4 years of college
4-5 years of dental school
2-3 years of postgraduate orthodontics training
Becoming an orthodontist requires a significant investment in time (and money) but it is worthy. The profession of orthodontist is financially rewarding and socially respected.
Here you can find information
and contact addresses for
dental schools in the United States / Canada / UK
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