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?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

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.

Orthodontists work closely with patients of all ages, from children to adults, to develop personalized treatment plans and monitor progress throughout the orthodontic journey.

Becoming an orthodontist requires a comprehensive educational background and specialized training.

Steps to Becoming an Orthodontist

The following five steps outline the path to becoming a qualified orthodontist.

Step 1: Complete Undergraduate Requirements and Apply to Dental School

Begin by completing the necessary undergraduate requirements and applying to dental school.

Most dental programs prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree, although some may accept students with a minimum of two years of undergraduate education.

Pre-dental coursework typically includes subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, and other sciences.

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.

This standardized exam tests the student's scientific knowledge, perceptual abilities, academic abilities, and knowledge of essential job functions.

Step 2: Graduate from Dental School

After gaining acceptance into dental school, students embark on a rigorous four-year program to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

The curriculum in dental school includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experiences.

During the final two years, students gain valuable hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating dental conditions under the guidance of licensed dentists.

Step 3: Complete a Postgraduate Orthodontics Program

Following dental school, aspiring orthodontists must complete a postgraduate orthodontics program.

These programs typically last two to three years and provide specialized training in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and the use of orthodontic appliances.

Students learn advanced techniques for correcting dental irregularities, including the use of braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic devices.

The American Dental Education Association offers the Postdoctoral Application Support Service, which streamlines the application process for orthodontic specialty programs.

This program is open from May until February each year and allows students to save time and energy.

Step 4: Consider Earning Board Certification

Orthodontists have the option to pursue board certification as a way to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

The American Board of Orthodontics offers voluntary certification to orthodontists who pass a comprehensive written and clinical examination.

Candidates may be eligible to take the written exam after completing 18 months of their postgraduate orthodontics program.

Successful completion of the written exam qualifies candidates to take the clinical exam.

To maintain certification, orthodontists may need to participate in continuing education and periodic recertification exams.

Step 5: Become Licensed

Licensure requirements for orthodontists vary by state.

Generally, obtaining a dental license is the first step, which requires graduating from an accredited dental school and passing a written and practical examination.

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.

It's essential to check the specific licensure requirements of the state in which you plan to practice.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

For individuals interested in a dental career but seeking alternative paths to orthodontics, there are several related career tracks to consider.

Some options include:

general dentistry
periodontics (specializing in gum diseases and dental implants)
oral and maxillofacial surgery
pediatric dentistry
prosthodontics (specializing in dental prosthetics and restorations)

Each specialization offers unique opportunities to make a significant impact on patients' oral health and improve their quality of life.

Learn How to Become an Orthodontist Today

Becoming an orthodontist requires a substantial investment of time and effort, but it offers a fulfilling and rewarding career in the dental field.

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.