What Does It Take to Become an Orthodontist?

Becoming an orthodontist is a long and rigorous process.

Many types of health care careers allow a person to help others, but orthodontia offers something more. It allows practitioners to correct physical attributes and to help patients feel better about themselves by giving them dramatically improved smiles. However, becoming an orthodontist is a long and rigorous process. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, only 6 percent of dentists undertake the training necessary for this position.

Identification

Orthodontists are often responsible for changing a person's appearance, correcting misaligned teeth, fixing overbites and addressing abnormalities of the jaw. Not only do they treat people with braces, retainers and other dental appliances, but they also perform reconstructive and therapeutic techniques designed to improve various parts of a person's oral health. Though most people are familiar with orthodontia for teens, orthodontists work with people of all ages.

Features

To become an orthodontist, you must first start out by attending college and earning a bachelor's degree. With a degree in hand, you can then enroll in a dental school. According to the ADA, those interested in attending dental school don't have to pursue a particular undergraduate degree, but they do need coursework in such subjects as chemistry, biology and physics. Advanced science study is encouraged. Dental school graduates receive a DDS--doctor of dental surgery--or DMD--doctor of dental medicine degree. According to the ADA, both degrees are essentially the same, but each school may grant one or the other.

After dental school, you'll take a dental admissions test to assess the skills necessary to practice dentistry. Upon passing this test, you will need to enroll in an orthodontics program, which will include courses that focus on orthodontia and culminate with a masters of science degree. Finally, you'll need to pass the College of Dentists Board examination to become a practicing orthodontist.

Time Frame

Earning your bachelor's degree generally takes about four years. You should expect to attend dental college for about three to four years after college, during which time you will study such things as biology and anatomy, as well a full range of other subjects. An orthodontia program will generally take about two to three years to complete.

Considerations

In the United States, you must attend a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association to become an orthodontist. Your orthodontics program should be ADA accredited as well. According to the ADA, such programs are usually quite difficult, as very advanced topics are covered in orthodontia training courses.

Misconceptions

Many people think of orthodontists as solo providers of oral care. However, they typically work as part of an orthodontia care team. Among the orthodontia team members are treatment, scheduling, instrument and clinical coordinators. A financial administrator, orthodontic technician and laboratory technician are usually part of the team as well.

Resources

• Braces.org
• American Dental Association