Become an Orthodontist – 5 Steps

Becoming an orthodontist can be a long process.  Orthodontists do a lot more than just put on braces – therapy, reconstruction, and oral surgery are also a big part of any orthodontist’s responsibility.  Orthodontics is very lucrative, and more, it gives you the opportunity to change people’s appearances, and ultimately, their lives.  Before you start using orthodontic appliances and shaping adult braces, you will need to put in years of work.

1.)  The first thing that any aspiring dental school student must do is get their four year degree.  You must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to enter any accredited Dental School in the United States of America.

2.)  Next, you must enroll in a Dental School or Dental College to get your DDS degree (Doctor of Dental Science). This typically takes about four years, during which time you will study anatomy, biology, and the social sciences as it relates to dentistry and orthodontics.

3.)  The third step, is to pass the Dental Admission Test; a test that certifies your skill level.  You must have a satisfactory skill set and working knowledge to practice dentistry.  No dentist can practice any type of dentistry without first passing this exam.

4.)  Fourth, you must enroll is orthodontics studies; typically courses involving the science behind orthodontia.  These courses will teach you the material necessary for your chosen area of expertise, and will typically take an additional two to three years to complete.

5.)  The final steps are to pass the College of Dentist Board exam and to become certified by completing the American Board of Orthodontics test.  Most countries have a similar body that accepts new practitioners and sets policies.  These entities also regulate dentists, and can carry out sanctions in many instances (when and if necessary).

In the end, you can see that becoming an orthodontist is a time consuming process.  School of dentistry alone can take ten to twelve years to complete, and starting your own practice at the conclusion of your education is no easy feat.  If you intend to start your own practice, like most orthodontists, you will need to pass an exam administered by the American Board of Orthodontics (as mentioned above). The test is comprised of both clerical and written portions.  This is a comprehensive exam and it should not be taken lightly.

Once you have completed your schooling, exams, and certifications, it’s time to start working.  What will you take up – adult orthodontics, pediatric orthodontics?  Or maybe both?  While many orthodontists start their own practices, some seek employment that is already established – such as an associate orthodontist position at an existing dental office.  Taking this route will help you gain the experience and insight necessary to go out on your own as a private orthodontist in the future.

There are many types of dentists in the world, and if you are an aspiring dental school student, you may be wondering what type of career to pursue.  Which type of dental practice best fits your personality?  The following article will talk about different types of dentists – what can you expect if you decide to become a general family dentist , an orthodontist, a pediatric dentist, or even a cosmetic dentist?  Different areas of dentistry require different skills and knowledge levels.  With that said, what suits you? What is the best area of focus for your personality type?

A general dentist, or family dentist, is much like a general practitioner in the medical field.  This dentist works with patients of both sexes, and of any age.  General dentists will perform typical teeth cleanings, tooth fillings, and take x-rays.  This type of dentist is not considered a “specialist,” and rather, has a fairly large range of functions – which can also sometimes include emergency dentist!

An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who works with treating and preventing facial irregularities – including crooked teeth, overbites, and jaw alignment issues.  Treatments involve the design and use of appliances such as retainers, gates, and orthodontic braces.  An orthodontic dentist is considered a specialist in the world of dentistry, and is most commonly attributed to installing and maintaining dental braces.

A pediatric dentist, or children’s dentist, focuses on the treatment of kids. Their specialized office settings and procedures help children feel more comfortable when receiving dental exams.  Pediatric dentists are much like general dentists, only they work on children only.  They clean teeth, offer routine checkups, and assists in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease.  Pediatric dentistry is certainly a profession that requires you to enjoy being around kids; after all, you are a kids dentist!

Cosmetic dentists are another very specialized type.  They deal primarily with enhancing the physical appearance of the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw line.  Procedures performed by these dentists typically include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, bonding, bridges, and dentures.  A cosmetic dentist will sometimes also specialize in tooth shaping and accelerated orthodontic procedures – where patients only need to wear braces for a few months, rather than years.  Many of these procedures are not necessary, and not covered by dental insurance. Cosmetic dentistry, as an industry, typically deals with a more affluent clientele.

Other types of dentists include oral surgeons, whom typically work with wisdom teeth and mouth deformities, and Periodontists, who treat conditions such as gum disorders, gingivitis, tooth decay and plaque.  When choosing the right career path, it is important to do your research and look at the pros and cons of each opportunity.  Salary levels can vary greatly based on the type of dentistry you take up, and your career path can also affect your work hours and schooling – some specialized dentists have higher educational requirements than general dentists or family dentists.  Do your research and figure out which type of dentistry is right for you before taking the plunge in to dental school.