What Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in improving oral health by correcting misaligned teeth, overbites and other abnormalities of the jaw.

Although most orthodontists are sought mostly for improving a person's appearance, misaligned teeth can lead to severe tooth decay and a host of other oral problems because not only do they cause bite problems that hinder eating, but crooked or overcrowded teeth are harder to brush and floss as well. In severe cases, oral problems caused by abnormalities of the jaw may even cause snoring, sleep apnea and other breathing problems.

All orthodontists require license to practice and must therefore start out by attending college. Dental schools require at least 2 years of college level education prior to admittance. Although Dental schools do not require any specific undergraduate degree, subjects such as chemistry, biology, and advanced sciences are generally needed so science courses are recommended. Dental school programs takes about 2 to 4 years to complete.

Dental studies cover theories and practical knowledge in related science, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology, and students are also taught laboratory techniques. Students are also required to undergo hands on training where students must treat patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. Depending on the school, dental school graduates receive either a DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery, or DMD, Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.

After graduation from school, dental admissions tests (DAT) are administered to assess the skills necessary to practice dentistry. Passing this test is required to enroll in an orthodontics program which will include courses that focus on orthodontia and culminate with a Masters of Science degree. Orthodontics programs generally takes about two to three years to complete. After completion, a dentist must pass the College of Dentists Board examination to become a practicing orthodontist.

Orthodontists use varying techniques for diagnosing specific teeth alignment problems of their patients. The most common of them are by taking x-rays and by creating molds of the patient's teeth. After diagnosis, patients are treated with braces, retainers and other dental appliances designed to realign teeth.

Orthodontists usually work in an office environment, and usually work between 35 and 40 hours a week. They can either be solo practitioners, in which case they own their own businesses and work alone or with a small staff, or work as a part of a team of dentists or healthcare providers.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of dentists, including orthodontists, are projected to grow by 16 percent through 2018. The average annual salary for dentists is around $142,870 in May 2008. Earnings vary according to years of experience, location, number of hours worked, and specialty. Orthodontia is one of the largest dental specialties, and practicing orthodontists earn an average salary of $137,000 a year. Dentists who are in private practice tend to earn more than salaried dentists.