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What does it take to be an orthodontist?

What are the essentials to becoming an orthodontist? What are some steps I can take to learn more and increase my chances in being in this field?

dentistry dentist orthodontist field orthodontics
Thank you comment icon Hi Alina, I am not an Orthodontist but I have been a professional for half a decade. My advice would be to find a mentor - try to find an orthodontist in your local neighborhood who is a couple years older than you and can dispense advice. That would be the best place to start. Andy Huang
Thank you comment icon I highly recommend looking into the requirements for becoming a working dentist and orthodontist. With the advent of invisalign and other options that can be done from home, orthodontics is becoming less and less needed. Lyndsay Capshaw
Thank you comment icon That's an excellent point. Difficult cases will still be referred to orthodontists, but those are the cases that take a great deal of time and expertise. Simply put, easy cases will go away and most of what's left will be the Difficult ones that don't necessarily pay any more. As a dentist I do believe in referring most cases to an orthodontist for a better result. A much better result can be achieved with actual braves than clear aligners like invisalign. This is especially true for younger patients. Elizabeth Lambert
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Elizabeth’s Answer

The first thing you need to do is acquire the necessary minimum college classes. You will need a year of biology a year of chemistry a year of organic chemistry and a year of physics. I recommend biology for Majors microbiology physics 1 physics 2, chemistry one chemistry 2 organic 1&2. These are the minimum classes in order to take the entrance exam called the DAT It is short for dental aptitude test. After you have completed those core classes you will most likely almost have a degree in biology which will then satisfy the requirements of having an undergraduate degree. You can pretty much have any undergraduate degree but you do need all of those minimum courses I mentioned. I would take the DAT exam upon completion of those classes even if you haven't graduated yet that way the information is fresh. Keep your GPA as high as possible 3.5 or above. Then once you are in Dental School you should be in the top of your class. Ortho is extremely difficult to get into. Only those that graduate at the top are considered. If you don't get in you can always go for another degree to improve you chances and keep applying. I have a friend who applied three years in a row after graduating near the top and dental school and finally got in after completing a master's in public health in addition to her dental degree and her biology degree.
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Otu’s Answer

Hello Alina!!!
Becoming an orthodontist require lots of dedication but first,you must first be a dentist to become an orthodontist.
You must know that general oral health personnel are known as dentists while a specialist doctor dealing in oral issues is referred to as an orthodontist. Therefore,you must know that becoming an orthodontist is not as easy as ABC.
Orthodontist specialised in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists are dental school graduates that have completes college, dental school, and orthodontic school. They are also required to complete a residency program for two to three years following orthodontic school.
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Patti’s Answer

Four years of undergrad...four years of dental school...then 2-4 years of specialized training. As far as landing a dental school interview, I suggest working in the field of Ortho as an assistant and communicate with the Dentist your goals. Dentist are really supportive of prospective dental students. I have been in Dentistry for almost 20 years, prior experience is always good!
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