Education for an Orthodontist
Orthodontists are one of many specialized types of dentists. According to the American Dental Association, an orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating skeletal abnormalities in the mouth, teeth and gums. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that orthodontists are the largest group of specialists in the profession. In 2006, estimates showed there were approximately 161,000 dentists employed in the United States and an estimated 9,200 of them were orthodontists. Becoming one of these specialized dentists, however, is no simple task. Orthodontist education must provide potential orthodontists with an in-depth knowledge of oral medicine so orthodontists can provide a high level of patient care.
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Program Acceptance
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Before a student can be considered for dental school, he must complete at least a 2 years of undergraduate education. Most students have completed a bachelor's degree prior to admittance, but some choose to complete a bachelor's degree while simultaneously pursuing dental school. After completion of a bachelor's degree, students can take specialty courses to become an orthodontist. High school and undergraduate students should take courses focusing on biology, chemistry, physics, health and mathematics. Taking courses or majoring in such subjects is favored when considering an applicant's acceptance into dental school.
Orthodontist's Program
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Once accepted into an orthodontics program, a student can expect to take courses in advanced sciences that directly concern orthodontics. According to the curriculum of the University of Oklahoma, required courses include sciences for dental specialties, biology of tooth movement, research methods, and roentgenographic cephalometry. This is not an all-inclusive list; there are many more courses that a student must take to successfully become an orthodontist. In addition to classroom education, students also receive clinical practice as a required part of completing the degree to become an orthodontist.
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Years to Comlete
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Typically, dental school takes approximately 4 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent completely in the classroom. After the first 2 years, the final 2 years are spent completing hands-on experience by working in actual related dental environments. When the schooling is complete, the student is rewarded with a degree either as a DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both degrees are equivalent.
Licensing
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After degree completion, a dentist then needs to become licensed to practice. Licensing is a requirement in every state. In most states, obtaining a license requires a student to complete a written and practical examination. Most licenses allow the holder privileges to practice standard dentistry in addition to a specialty. In addition, some states also require students to take a special individualized examination if they have chosen a particular specialized practice such as orthodontics.
Job Outlook
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Between 2006 and 2016, many dentists and orthodontists who are currently practicing will retire. Their retirement, along with other positions that will open up, will allow room for educated individuals in all areas of the dental fields to obtain employment. Between 2006 and 2016, employment in the dentistry profession is due to rise 9 percent as a whole and equally increase in the specialized area of orthodontics.
Orthodontists can expect to make a median annual salary of $136,960 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports from 2006.
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