How to Become an Orthodontist in 5 Steps
Learn how to become an orthodontist in five steps. Discover the education, training, and skills required for this rewarding dental career.
Becoming an orthodontist is a rewarding and specialized career choice that involves helping individuals achieve healthy and beautiful smiles.
Orthodontists play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating dental irregularities, such as misaligned teeth and jaws.
This article will outline the five essential steps to embarking on a career as an orthodontist, discussing the necessary education, training, and skills required to excel in this field.
What Is an Orthodontist?
<p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Duties_of_an_Orthodontist.html">Orthodontists are dental specialists</a> who focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
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<p>They use various techniques, such as braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances, to correct dental misalignments and improve the overall appearance and function of patients' teeth.
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<p>Orthodontists work closely with patients of all ages, from children to adults, to develop personalized treatment plans and monitor progress throughout the orthodontic journey.
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<p>Becoming an orthodontist requires a comprehensive educational background and specialized training.
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<h2 id="section---StepsToBecomingAnOrthodontist">Steps to Becoming an Orthodontist</h2>
<p>The following five steps outline the path to becoming a qualified orthodontist.
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<h3 id="section---Step1CompleteUndergraduateRequirementsAndApplyToDentalSchool">Step 1: Complete Undergraduate Requirements and Apply to Dental School</h3>
<p>Begin by completing the necessary undergraduate requirements and applying to dental school.
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<p>Most dental programs prefer applicants with a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a>, although some may accept students with a minimum of two years of undergraduate education.
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<p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/Pre-Dental_Schools_and_Courses_Your_Questions_Answered.html">Pre-dental coursework</a> typically includes subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, and other sciences.
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<p>Additionally, aspiring orthodontists must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), administered by the American Dental Association (ADA), as part of the dental school application process.
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<p>This standardized exam tests the student's scientific knowledge, perceptual abilities, academic abilities, and knowledge of essential job functions.
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<h3 id="section---Step2GraduateFromDentalSchool">Step 2: Graduate from Dental School</h3>
<p>After gaining acceptance into dental school, students embark on a rigorous four-year program to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Different_Types_of_Dental_Degrees.html">Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree</a>.
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<p>The curriculum in dental school includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experiences.
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<p>During the final two years, students gain valuable hands-on experience in diagnosing and <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Dentistry_and_Dental_Hygiene_FAQs.html">treating dental conditions</a> under the guidance of licensed dentists.
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<h3 id="section---Step3CompleteAPostgraduateOrthodonticsProgram">Step 3: Complete a Postgraduate Orthodontics Program</h3>
<p>Following dental school, aspiring orthodontists must complete a postgraduate orthodontics program.
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<p>These programs typically last two to three years and provide specialized training in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and the use of orthodontic appliances.
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<p>Students learn advanced techniques for correcting dental irregularities, including the use of braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic devices.
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<p>The American Dental Education Association offers the Postdoctoral Application Support Service, which streamlines the application process for orthodontic specialty programs.
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<p>This program is open from May until February each year and allows students to save time and energy.
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<h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderEarningBoardCertification">Step 4: Consider Earning Board Certification</h3>
<p>Orthodontists have the option to pursue board certification as a way to demonstrate their expertise in the field.
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<p>The American Board of Orthodontics offers voluntary certification to orthodontists who pass a comprehensive written and clinical examination.
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<p>Candidates may be eligible to take the written exam after completing 18 months of their postgraduate orthodontics program.
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<p>Successful completion of the written exam qualifies candidates to take the clinical exam.
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<p>To maintain certification, orthodontists may need to participate in continuing education and periodic recertification exams.
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<h3 id="section---Step5BecomeLicensed">Step 5: Become Licensed</h3>
<p>Licensure requirements for orthodontists vary by state.
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<p>Generally, obtaining a dental license is the first step, which requires graduating from an accredited dental school and passing a written and practical examination.
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<p>To practice orthodontics as a specialty, additional requirements may include completing a postgraduate education program and potentially passing an additional state examination specific to orthodontics.
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<p>It's essential to check the specific licensure requirements of the state in which you plan to practice.
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<h2 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h2>
<p>For individuals interested in a dental career but seeking alternative paths to orthodontics, there are several related career tracks to consider.
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<p><b>Some options include:</b>
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<ul><li>general dentistry
</li><li>periodontics (specializing in gum diseases and dental implants)
</li><li>oral and maxillofacial surgery
</li><li><a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Pediatric_Dentist.html">pediatric dentistry</a>
</li><li>prosthodontics (specializing in dental prosthetics and restorations)
</li></ul><p>Each specialization offers unique opportunities to make a significant impact on patients' oral health and improve their quality of life.
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<h2 id="section---LearnHowToBecomeAnOrthodontistToday">Learn How to Become an Orthodontist Today</h2>
<p>Becoming an orthodontist requires a substantial investment of time and effort, but it offers a fulfilling and rewarding career in the dental field.
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<p>By following the five steps outlined in this blog, individuals can embark on a journey to become skilled orthodontists, helping patients achieve beautiful smiles and improved oral health.</p>