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What do i major in to be an orthodontist?
What do I major in if I want to be an orthodontist? Like if I wanted to can I major in dental hygienist to be an orthodontist ? If not what am I able to major in ?
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Michael’s Answer
Hi Angeline,
Educational pathway to become an orthodontist is between 10 - 12 years. High school classes should include biology, chemistry, math, physics and anatomy. During college, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or chemistry are the preferred tracks.
After graduating college, the Dental Admission Test (Dental Aptitude Test or Dental Acceptance Test) is given by the American Dental Association. A passing score is required for admission to an accredited dental school. Before one becomes an orthodontist, one must graduate from dental school.
Dental school is a four year program. Upon graduation, dental students earn a degree with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine. An official dental license must be obtained by passing the National Board Dental Examination as well as a clinical exam that is administered by a testing agency in your state.
The National Board Dental Examination is in two parts which are taken over a three day period. Examination areas that are tested on range from biochemistry to anatomy and from endodontics to pharmacology. After becoming a licensed dentist, then one has to successfully complete an accredited orthodontics residency. The residency will last between two to three years. Then, one has to earn the orthodontist license by passing state clinical exams. Orthodontist certification can be achieved from the American Board of Orthodontics. Certification has written and clinical exams which must be passed. Recertification happens every 10 years.
Best wishes for your career path in Dentistry and Orthodontics!
High school classes to take - Biology, chemistry, math, physics and anatomy.
College Majors - Biology or Chemistry - Earn Bachelor of Science Degree
Dental Admission Test - Prerequisite for Dental School / Earn a degree - Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine
National Board Dental Examination / Orthodontics Residency / Orthodontics License
Orthodontist Certification - Retaken every 10 years
Educational pathway to become an orthodontist is between 10 - 12 years. High school classes should include biology, chemistry, math, physics and anatomy. During college, a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or chemistry are the preferred tracks.
After graduating college, the Dental Admission Test (Dental Aptitude Test or Dental Acceptance Test) is given by the American Dental Association. A passing score is required for admission to an accredited dental school. Before one becomes an orthodontist, one must graduate from dental school.
Dental school is a four year program. Upon graduation, dental students earn a degree with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine. An official dental license must be obtained by passing the National Board Dental Examination as well as a clinical exam that is administered by a testing agency in your state.
The National Board Dental Examination is in two parts which are taken over a three day period. Examination areas that are tested on range from biochemistry to anatomy and from endodontics to pharmacology. After becoming a licensed dentist, then one has to successfully complete an accredited orthodontics residency. The residency will last between two to three years. Then, one has to earn the orthodontist license by passing state clinical exams. Orthodontist certification can be achieved from the American Board of Orthodontics. Certification has written and clinical exams which must be passed. Recertification happens every 10 years.
Best wishes for your career path in Dentistry and Orthodontics!
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Updated
John Arjay’s Answer
Good day!
To be an orthodontist, there's no recommended undergrad major, however dental school require prerequisite in science subjects, such as biology and chemistry.
After the undergraduate program you can apply to a dental school. Follow by residency and national board dental examination. You should obtain a license to practice orthodontics by passing state licensure examination.
Good luck!
Regards,
JAE
To be an orthodontist, there's no recommended undergrad major, however dental school require prerequisite in science subjects, such as biology and chemistry.
After the undergraduate program you can apply to a dental school. Follow by residency and national board dental examination. You should obtain a license to practice orthodontics by passing state licensure examination.
Good luck!
Regards,
JAE
Thank you , that helped me understand better , So with that being said can I major in dental hygiene and take biology & when completed I will have what I need to apply for dental school ?
Angeline
Updated
Erlis’s Answer
Check to see if your school has pre-med program. IF so they can give you advice on what aspect of the sciences and medicine aspect you will have to pursue. Medical school is a little different from dental school but they have their similarities. So if you can specialize in the courses and major in chemistry or biology or another science you are good at, do it and then focus on nailing the exam to get into a program to become an orthodontist.