How to Become an Orthodontist: Education, Career Path and What to Expect
If you enjoy science, technology, problem-solving and working with people, a career in orthodontics might be for you!
Orthodontists do more than put braces on teeth. They study how the teeth, jaws and face grow and work together. Using that knowledge, they create personalized treatment plans that can improve a patient’s bite, oral health and confidence.
It takes years of education and hard work, but orthodontics is an incredibly rewarding career that allows you to build long-term relationships and watch your patients’ smiles and confidence transform.
What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional specialty training in moving teeth and aligning the jaws.
Orthodontists diagnose and treat concerns such as:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Crossbites and open bites
- Jaw-growth concerns
- Teeth that are not coming in correctly
Treatment may include braces, clear aligners, expanders, retainers or other orthodontic appliances. Orthodontists also use digital images, 3D scans and specialized software to plan how a patient’s teeth and bite should change over time.
At Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Collective, our orthodontists provide personalized orthodontic care for children, teens and adults.
What Is Being an Orthodontist Really Like?
Orthodontics combines healthcare with technology, precision and creativity.
An orthodontist may spend part of the day reviewing digital images and planning treatment. Other appointments could involve placing braces, checking a child’s jaw development or reviewing an adult’s clear-aligner progress.
Because orthodontic treatment often lasts for months or years, orthodontists get to know their patients. They may hear about school, sports, work promotions and other life milestones while helping patients of all ages work toward healthier, more confident smiles.
The job also involves plenty of problem-solving. Every patient’s teeth, bite and facial structure are different, and so treatment plans are constantly being adjusted and personalized to meet each smile’s unique needs.
How Much Education Does an Orthodontist Need?
Becoming an orthodontist generally takes about 10 to 11 years of education after high school.
The typical path includes:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. Most students complete four years of college and take dental school prerequisites such as biology, chemistry, physics and math.
- Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Dental schools consider DAT results along with grades, interviews, recommendations and relevant experience.
- Complete dental school. Dental school usually takes four years. Graduates earn either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The two degrees represent the same level of education.
- Complete an orthodontic residency. Future orthodontists receive another two to three years of specialty education in tooth movement, jaw and facial growth, bite development and treatment planning.
- Meet state licensing requirements. Orthodontists must be licensed in the state where they practice.
What Skills Do Orthodontists Need?
Being a successful orthodontist takes more than strong science skills. Orthodontists need a sharp eye for detail, steady hands and the ability to think through complex problems. Because every patient and smile is different, creativity and comfort with technology are also important.
Just as valuable are patience and communication. Orthodontists work with children, teens, adults and parents, often over several years. Being able to explain treatment clearly, encourage patients and build lasting relationships is a big part of the job.
What Are the Rewards and Challenges?
The path to becoming an orthodontist is long, and admission to an orthodontic residency can be competitive. The job itself requires patience, too. Teeth do not always move exactly as planned, appliances can break and patients may need extra encouragement along the way.
But those challenges are also what make the results so rewarding.
Orthodontists have the opportunity to care for people from all walks of life and build relationships that often last for years. They get to watch smiles transform, confidence grow and patients become more comfortable expressing themselves. There is something incredibly meaningful about seeing someone who once hid their teeth begin to smile without hesitation.
Orthodontics can be demanding, but helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles makes the hard work worth it.
How Can Students Prepare?
High school and college students can begin by:
- Taking biology, chemistry, physics and math
- Building strong study habits
- Shadowing a dentist or orthodontist
- Volunteering in the community
- Joining science, healthcare or pre-dental organizations
- Practicing communication and leadership skills
- Researching dental school requirements early
Shadowing is especially valuable because it allows you to see the pace, responsibilities and patient interaction involved in a real orthodontic office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Orthodontist
Do you have to become a dentist first?
Yes. Orthodontists must graduate from dental school before completing an orthodontic residency. Every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist.
How long does it take to become an orthodontist?
The typical path includes four years of college, four years of dental school and two to three years of orthodontic residency.
What should I major in?
There is no required major. Many students choose a science, but you may select another major if you complete the courses required by dental schools.
Is it difficult to become an orthodontist?
The path is challenging and competitive. Strong academics, effective study habits, relevant experience and persistence are important.
Do orthodontists only treat children and teens?
No. Orthodontists treat children, teens and adults using options such as braces and clear aligners.
Could Orthodontics Be Your Future?
If you like solving detailed problems, working with your hands, using technology and building meaningful relationships with patients, orthodontics could be a great fit.
You do not need to have your entire future mapped out today. Start by taking challenging courses, asking questions and learning from people already working in the field. Sometimes, a conversation or a single day of shadowing is all it takes to picture yourself on a new career path.
Want to learn more? Contact the PDOC team to talk with one of our orthodontists and hear more about the education, experiences and everyday work behind the career.
Still exploring your options? Learn more about what it takes to become a pediatric dentist and discover which path feels right for you.
