Did you know that fewer than 7% of all dentists are licensed to practice orthodontics? Research suggests that there are 159,246 general dentists in the U.S. and only 10,921 licensed orthodontists.
It’s no wonder why: becoming an orthodontist takes a significant amount of time, money, and effort. However, it can also be a rewarding way to further your dental career while broadening your knowledge.
If you’ve ever thought you might like to become a qualified orthodontist, there are several things worth knowing before you take the plunge. Let’s take a look at a few tips to help you weigh your decision.
1. Orthodontists Are Dentists, Too
First things first: orthodontists are also dentists! While you wouldn’t go to see an orthodontist in the place of a general dentist, these specialists get the same initial training as a dentist would.
Where general dentists offer regular cleanings and treat problems like tooth decay, orthodontists focus on the way a patient’s teeth align and bite. This structural approach to dentistry can help address issues that affect a patient’s overall oral health. This is because a better oral structure can reduce a patient’s risk for issues like gum disease, cavities, and teeth grinding.
Orthodontists also work closely with general dentists, who often refer patients to them for specific problems.
2. You’ll Do More Than Braces
Most people know that orthodontists help patients get braces. Teeth straightening continues to be one of the most common issues that orthodontists will address. These treatments include both traditional braces and clear aligners like Invisalign.
However, orthodontists do far more than straighten teeth says this dentist who does dental implants in Newmarket! They can help with the following issues as well:
- Protruding teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Underbites and overbites
- Crossbite
- Overjet, a condition in which the front teeth protrude outward
- Impacted teeth
- Abnormal tooth eruptions
Orthodontists use a range of treatments to help these issues. They may create braces, retainers, palate expanders, and other tools to help patients.
They may also help patients deal with eating or speaking difficulties as a result of the issues above. In tough cases, they may refer patients to a specialist who can help with eating or speaking challenges. Tongue therapy via a speech therapist, for example, can help with speaking issues as well as regular tongue thrusting against the front teeth.
In addition, orthodontists help patients understand their condition, risk factors, and prevention tactics. For example, they may help parents understand how thumb-sucking can cause or worsen a child’s crossbite.
It’s also worth noting that orthodontics will have to become comfortable with X-rays and other imaging tech. They will also learn to make and use plaster models of the teeth for the creation of braces and more.
3. Training Takes Ten or More Years
If you’re hoping to become an orthodontist, you’ll need to be in it for the long haul. Where most people are ready to begin their career after getting a four-year degree, orthodontists will be in school for an average of ten to eleven years after their high school graduation.
After graduating high school, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree. This is a prerequisite for entering dental school. Some schools accept an associate’s degree, but this is relatively rare.
Most orthodontists choose related fields of study for their undergraduate degree. Biology and chemistry are common options.
After you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This is a crucial part of your application to dental school. The DAT includes questions on natural sciences, reasoning, reading comprehension, and more.
During your years at a four-year dental school, you’ll get experience in the field. You’ll learn about medicine, human biology, and dental practices. Your final years will include performing dental procedures under your professors’ supervision.
Even after you’ve graduated from dental school, you’ll still need a license to practice dentistry. This means passing the National Board Dental Examination, a multi-day, multiple-choice exam.
To become an orthodontist, you’ll then need to secure an orthodontics residency. These competitive two- to three-year programs help dentists gain the skills they need to become experts in dental structure and alignment.
Just as you had to get your dental license, you’ll also need a license to practice orthodontics. The licensing process can vary from state to state, but most states requires a clinical test.
4. You’ll Make More Than a Dentist
As a general dentist, you can expect to make around $175,840 per year on average. An orthodontist’s salary, on the other hand, is around $225,760 per year.
Note that the expected salary will vary based on your location, the type of practice you have, and your years of experience in the field. It will also depend on any additional certifications you have, such as if you’re certified with the American Board of Orthodontics.
Your salary will also depend on how you market yourself with your clients, especially if you own your own practice. To get additional insights on marketing for orthodontists, find more information here.
5. You Can Go Even Further
Though orthodontics is a highly specialized field in its own right, you may start to consider further specialties as well.
For example, some orthodontists go on to become oral and maxillofacial surgeons. This involves further fellowships and surgical training.
Other orthodontists may choose to become prosthodontists. These specialists are highly trained in creating prosthetics for missing, crooked, or damaged teeth.
Start Becoming an Orthodontist Today
Becoming an orthodontist may be one of the best decisions you make in your dental career. This rewarding field allows you to make a huge difference in your patients’ oral health. It’s also a great way to further your knowledge about a profession you love!
Whether you’re considering your next career move or looking for lifestyle guides, don’t hesitate to check out our other helpful content.
