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Jeremiah
Student
El Sobrante, California
1
Question
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Is being a orthodontist a rewarding job?
I can read French and play the piano, and would like a career that gives me a sense of accomplishment. #job #career
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2 answers
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
716
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Jeremiah:
Orthodontists are trained in creating a healthy bite, developing proper alignment, understanding the size and position of your upper and lower jaws and identifying how your teeth are set within them. An Orthodontist will also work with your general dentist to determine if your gums and teeth are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. If you love the work that you do any job can be rewarding.
DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ORTHODONTIST
You might think an orthodontist only treats children or teens by placing braces or other appliances. The truth is they treat patients of all ages by solving alignment or bite problems and preventing these problems from becoming worse down the line. Orthodontists treat the following common conditions, among others, according to the American Dental Association (ADA):
• Crowded teeth
• Teeth that meet improperly
• Teeth that don't meet at all
• Teeth that have a gap between them
• Protruding teeth
As specialists in jaw and tooth alignment, they create the best individualized plan for their patients and are experts in recommending the right type of appliances for each unique case.
EDUCATION
An Orthodontist completes an orthodontic residency after graduating dental school. It typically takes a total of 10 to 11 years before they are certified and licensed to practice; that's about four years at an accredited undergraduate school, four years at an accredited dental school and two to three years in an accredited orthodontics residency program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), orthodontists in training need to take the following steps before being able to practice:
• Obtain an undergraduate degree
• Pass the Dental Admission Test to be able to apply for dental school
• Complete dental school and residency
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination
• Obtain a license to practice orthodontics as a specialty, which may require a special state exam
According to the American Dental Education Association, there's no recommended undergraduate major for aspiring orthodontists. However, dental schools typically require prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry. Students wondering how to become an orthodontist might join their undergraduate predental society or work or volunteer in a clinic or office.
Like medical school, dental school is highly demanding. Students split their time between coursework in anatomy, periodontics and radiology, as well as clinical practice, where they gain experience working with patients, according to the BLS.
CAREER PATH
The path to becoming an orthodontist is a competitive one. According to the AAO, there are more applicants for orthodontics residencies than there are available positions, with about 15 applicants for every residency opening. But once you do become an orthodontist, you'll be paid well. The BLS reports that orthodontists earn $208,000 on average annually.
How to Become An Orthodontist • https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/how-to-become-an-orthodontist
Orthodontists are trained in creating a healthy bite, developing proper alignment, understanding the size and position of your upper and lower jaws and identifying how your teeth are set within them. An Orthodontist will also work with your general dentist to determine if your gums and teeth are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. If you love the work that you do any job can be rewarding.
DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ORTHODONTIST
You might think an orthodontist only treats children or teens by placing braces or other appliances. The truth is they treat patients of all ages by solving alignment or bite problems and preventing these problems from becoming worse down the line. Orthodontists treat the following common conditions, among others, according to the American Dental Association (ADA):
• Crowded teeth
• Teeth that meet improperly
• Teeth that don't meet at all
• Teeth that have a gap between them
• Protruding teeth
As specialists in jaw and tooth alignment, they create the best individualized plan for their patients and are experts in recommending the right type of appliances for each unique case.
EDUCATION
An Orthodontist completes an orthodontic residency after graduating dental school. It typically takes a total of 10 to 11 years before they are certified and licensed to practice; that's about four years at an accredited undergraduate school, four years at an accredited dental school and two to three years in an accredited orthodontics residency program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), orthodontists in training need to take the following steps before being able to practice:
• Obtain an undergraduate degree
• Pass the Dental Admission Test to be able to apply for dental school
• Complete dental school and residency
• Pass the National Board Dental Examination
• Obtain a license to practice orthodontics as a specialty, which may require a special state exam
According to the American Dental Education Association, there's no recommended undergraduate major for aspiring orthodontists. However, dental schools typically require prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry. Students wondering how to become an orthodontist might join their undergraduate predental society or work or volunteer in a clinic or office.
Like medical school, dental school is highly demanding. Students split their time between coursework in anatomy, periodontics and radiology, as well as clinical practice, where they gain experience working with patients, according to the BLS.
CAREER PATH
The path to becoming an orthodontist is a competitive one. According to the AAO, there are more applicants for orthodontics residencies than there are available positions, with about 15 applicants for every residency opening. But once you do become an orthodontist, you'll be paid well. The BLS reports that orthodontists earn $208,000 on average annually.
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Jacquelyn Anderson
Operations & Technical Base Coordinator
10
Answers
Kissimmee, Florida
Updated
Jacquelyn’s Answer
Hello!
Being an orthodontist is a very rewarding field! It's also a challenge as no two patients have the same teeth and needs which makes the profession even more rewarding. Smiles are some peoole's biggest insecurities and discomforts, so being the one who helped them gain their smile and confidence back would really make you feel good!
Being an orthodontist is a very rewarding field! It's also a challenge as no two patients have the same teeth and needs which makes the profession even more rewarding. Smiles are some peoole's biggest insecurities and discomforts, so being the one who helped them gain their smile and confidence back would really make you feel good!