3 answers
Leticia
Student
Port Richey, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What steps do I have to take to become a orthodontics, I Am currently a Dual enrolled student and plan on graduating my AA degree with my high school diploma ?
I will be the first in my family to graduate and go to college so I am confused on the next steps after high school. After high school my next step is go to any university that will benefit me in the future.
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3 answers
Brady Barnett
Dental Assistant
7
Answers
Farmington, Utah
Updated
Brady’s Answer
That’s awesome that you want to be an orthodontist in the future!
I think that when going to college, it’s important to focus on getting a good GPA. That is something that dental schools look for. On top of that, getting experience in an office is very beneficial because you can see from first hand experience if this is what you want to pursue. You can apply for a job as a dental assistant or even doing sterilization in an office. This way you can see how a dentist or orthodontist’s office runs.
If there is a pre-dental club at your college then you can surround yourself with other people that want to go into that field. This way, you’re not in this alone! I have made some good friends in that club and how found good ways to prepare to go into the dental field.
I think that when going to college, it’s important to focus on getting a good GPA. That is something that dental schools look for. On top of that, getting experience in an office is very beneficial because you can see from first hand experience if this is what you want to pursue. You can apply for a job as a dental assistant or even doing sterilization in an office. This way you can see how a dentist or orthodontist’s office runs.
If there is a pre-dental club at your college then you can surround yourself with other people that want to go into that field. This way, you’re not in this alone! I have made some good friends in that club and how found good ways to prepare to go into the dental field.
Suzanne Sorkin
Retired family physician and medical educator
168
Answers
Traverse City, Michigan
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
Leticia, orthodontists are dentists who have specialized additional training in orthodonture (helping patient who need braces to improve the way their teeth are positioned in the mouth). It is important that as soon as you get into your college, you connect with the pre-healthcare/pre-dental advisor. They will make sure that the classes you take for your bachelor's degree are the ones you need to apply to dental school. It is important that you do well in these classes. as well as the others you take to satisfy the requirements to graduate. Most dental schools require biology with lab, general and organic chemistry with lab, biochemistry, microbiology, general physics , statistics and English classes. There will also be some humanities and social science class requirements, depending on the dental school. So, as you can see, it is very important that you work closely with the pre-health/pre-dental advisor. You will also need to prepare to take the Dental School admissions exam.
Dental school follows college and leads to your becoming a general dentist. For orthodontics, you would then do an additional training program. It is a long haul but possible and rewarding. Take it one step at a time and you can do it!
Dental school follows college and leads to your becoming a general dentist. For orthodontics, you would then do an additional training program. It is a long haul but possible and rewarding. Take it one step at a time and you can do it!
Michele Hendrix
Certified Medical Coder and Auditor
14
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Michele’s Answer
That is very exciting for you. You were very busy in high school. Typically, you will need to go on to a four year college to complete a bachelor's degree. I would recommend a science major of some kind. During college it would be a good idea to start researching pathways to becoming an orthodontist. That is a very specialized field, but I am sure you can find information on the internet. Alternatively, when you get to your college, I would advise meeting with your student advisor. They are usually very nice and can point you in the right direction. Good luck!