Orthodontist Career Guide

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a special kind of dentist who helps fix teeth and jaws that are out of place. They work to make your smile look great and your mouth work better. Orthodontists use cool tools like braces and retainers to straighten your teeth and fix issues like teeth that are too crowded or bites that don’t line up right.

Duties and responsibilities

Orthodontists check out your mouth to see what’s going on. They look at your dental history, examine your teeth, and take X-rays. From there, they figure out the best way to fix any issues with personalized plans, which might include braces or other gadgets to straighten your teeth.

They also manage their team at the dental office, making sure everything runs smoothly and everyone knows what to do. Plus, they take time to explain everything to you so you understand what’s happening and feel comfortable with your treatment.

Work environment

Orthodontists usually work in their own dental offices, which are clean, bright, and super organized. They spend a lot of time on their feet, working closely with patients. It’s a job that needs a sharp eye for detail because they work with tiny tools and small adjustments that make a big difference.

Typical work hours

Orthodontists typically work about 40 hours a week, usually during the day from Monday to Friday. Sometimes, they might work in the evenings or on weekends to fit in all their patients. They also need to be ready for emergency calls if there are urgent problems. Running their own practices gives them a bit of flexibility in setting their schedules.

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How to become an orthodontist

Becoming an orthodontist is a journey that involves a lot of school and training, but it leads to a super cool job where you get to improve people’s smiles every day! Here’s how you can get there:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Start by going to college and getting a bachelor’s degree. You don’t have to major in anything specific, but taking classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math will help you a lot later on, especially when you need to take the DAT (Dental Admissions Test).

Step 2: Ace the DAT

The DAT is a big test that checks your knowledge in science, your ability to understand what you read, and your math skills. Doing well on this test is key to getting into dental school.

Step 3: Graduate from dental school

Once you pass the DAT, you’ll spend about four years in dental school earning a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree. This includes lots of classes and hands-on training in clinics.

Step 4: Pass the dental board exam

After dental school, you have to pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) to get your license to practice. This test covers everything from science to clinical skills.

Step 5: Get licensed

You need a license to work as a dentist, and you get this by passing another exam that’s specific to the state where you want to practice.

Step 6: Specialize in orthodontics

Next, you’ll spend 2 to 3 years in a residency program learning all about orthodontics. This is where you really learn how to straighten teeth and fix bites.

Step 7: Get board certified (optional)

You don’t have to, but if you want to, you can take an extra step to get board certified. This involves more exams and showing off the work you’ve done to make sure you’re really good at what you do.

Step 8: Start your career

Now, you’re ready to either join an existing practice or start your own. If you open your own place, you’ll also need to know a bit about running a business.

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How much do orthodontists make?

Orthodontist salaries will vary based on experience, industry, education, location, and the organization’s size. Specialized skills and certifications, as well as the type of practice in which they are employed, such as private practice versus a corporate dental chain, can also affect their compensation.

Browse orthodontist salary data by market

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Types of orthodontists

Orthodontists do more than just straighten teeth; they specialize in different areas to handle various dental needs. Here are some common types:

General orthodontist

General orthodontists are the go-to pros for diagnosing, preventing, and fixing crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. They use tools like braces, retainers, and aligners to get your teeth lined up perfectly. Their main job is to spot any oral health issues and come up with plans to make your smile healthier and better looking.

Pediatric orthodontist

Pediatric orthodontists focus on kids and teens, helping them with any teeth or jaw alignment issues. They’re the experts in dealing with the unique problems that young ones face, like managing the growth of wisdom teeth or fixing habits like thumb-sucking that can mess with teeth alignment.

Adult orthodontist

Adult orthodontists specialize in treating grown-ups, making sure their patients get the best care for a great smile and functional bite. They work on everything from putting in braces to designing treatment plans that keep teeth healthy for the long haul.

Research orthodontist

Research orthodontists are the brainiacs who study how to make orthodontic care better. They work in universities or research labs, digging into the best materials and methods for orthodontic treatments. They also help train the next generation of orthodontists.

Orthognathic orthodontist

Orthognathic orthodontists deal with the big stuff—when braces alone won’t fix the problem. They work with surgeons on procedures that adjust the position of your jaws, helping with serious issues that affect how you chew, speak, or even breathe.

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Top skills for orthodontists

To be a great orthodontist, you need a mix of technical and people skills. Here’s what it takes:

Excellent manual dexterity

Orthodontists need steady hands! They work in tight spaces and use tiny tools to adjust braces and fit retainers, so being able to maneuver their hands carefully is key. This skill helps make sure treatments are comfortable and effective for patients.

Strong analytical skills

These specialists have to be good at solving puzzles. They look at dental records and X-rays to figure out what’s going on with your teeth and jaws. Analytical skills help them create the right treatment plans to get those teeth in line!

Good interpersonal skills

These pros do a lot of talking! They need to explain treatments clearly and make sure patients feel at ease. Being friendly and understanding helps build trust, making visits more pleasant for everyone.

Attention to detail

In orthodontics, the little things matter—a lot. Paying close attention to every small change and adjustment can make a big difference in how well a treatment works. It’s all about making sure each patient gets the best results.

Strong problem-solving skills

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. When unexpected issues pop up, they have to think on their feet. They use their problem-solving skills to figure out quick and effective solutions that keep treatments on track.

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Orthodontist career path options

Starting your career as an orthodontist opens up a world of opportunities. Here’s how you can grow in this exciting field:

Early career

When you first become an orthodontist, you’ll likely work under experienced professionals in a clinic. This is your chance to hone your skills, get hands-on experience, and start building a portfolio of successful treatments.

Heading your own practice

As you gain expertise, you might decide to open your own orthodontic practice. This allows you to be your own boss, manage a team, and make all the big decisions about the services you offer.

Teaching and tutoring

If you love sharing knowledge, teaching at a dental school could be a great fit. As a tutor, you’ll help shape the next generation of orthodontists, passing on your skills and insights.

Entering research

For those who are curious and love innovation, research is an exciting path. You can work on developing new treatments and technologies that could revolutionize orthodontic care.

Specializing further

Orthodontics has several specialized fields you could dive into, like pediatric orthodontics, which focuses on children, or craniofacial orthodontics, dealing with more complex facial issues. Each specialty requires additional training but offers the chance to become a leading expert in that area.

Leadership roles

With experience, leadership roles will come calling. Whether it’s leading a dental department in a hospital, running your practice, or directing a research project, these roles involve overseeing teams, managing budgets, and strategic planning.

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Similar job titles

• Dentist
• Oral Surgeon
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Assistant

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Position trends and outlook for orthodontists

The field of orthodontics is buzzing with innovation and growth, driven by rapid advances in technology and changing patient expectations. Here’s what’s shaping the future of this dynamic profession:

• Tech advancements: The integration of cutting-edge technology like 3D printing has revolutionized orthodontics. Orthodontists can now create more accurate and customized braces and other dental devices, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
• Rise of teleorthodontics: Teleorthodontics is becoming a game-changer, allowing them to offer consultations and follow-up appointments remotely. This convenience appeals to many patients, expanding the potential client base.

Employment projections

The demand for orthodontists is on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by 6% through 2031. This growth is fueled by a broader recognition of the importance of oral health and the desire for improved dental aesthetics. Additionally, there’s a notable need for more orthodontic services in rural areas, opening up opportunities for practitioners willing to serve these communities.

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Orthodontist career tips

Strive for continual learning

Keeping up with the latest advancements in orthodontics is crucial. Continuous education helps you stay proficient and competitive by familiarizing you with new techniques and technologies. Consider these actions to enhance your knowledge:

• Attend workshops and seminars regularly to learn about new trends and advanced orthodontic techniques
• Subscribe to top dental journals to keep up with the latest research and case studies that can inform your practice
• Pursue additional training in areas that interest you, such as pediatric orthodontics or innovative aligner therapies

Get certified

While optional, certifications like the American Board of Orthodontics Diplomate status can boost your credibility. This recognition demonstrates your commitment to excellence and specialized expertise in orthodontics.

Build a professional network

Networking is key in any profession, and orthodontics is no exception. Joining professional associations can connect you with peers, mentors, and potential partners. These connections can provide support, insights, and opportunities to advance your career. Consider affiliating with:

• The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
• The World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO)
• The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)
• The European Orthodontic Society (EOS)

Offer special services

Distinguishing your practice can involve specializing in niche services that cater to specific groups, such as children, patients with special needs, or those needing orthodontic treatments for conditions like sleep apnea. Specializing can help you build a dedicated patient base and set you apart from competitors.

Invest in advanced dental technology

Modern technology can transform your practice. Investments in state-of-the-art equipment, like 3D imaging and digital intraoral scanners, not only enhance the precision of your treatments but also improve patient experience and satisfaction. Embracing these technologies can make your practice more efficient and appealing to new patients.

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FAQs