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I really want to become an orthodontist when I grow up. How can I prepare now for the future? What tips do you have?
As a 7th Grade student, I'm pretty lost on the topic of preparing for my future.
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Cherelle’s Answer
Hi Sophie! It’s amazing that you’re already thinking about your future!! You have plenty of time to figure things out, so please don’t feel rushed. Enjoy being a teenager and soak in every experience!!
But to answer your question, to become an Orthodontist, you will need to complete 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 so a total of 10-11 years of school before you are able to work in your career.
If this is something that you truly desire, do your best in high school (all As or all As and Bs to achieve a high GPA), and take part in clubs and activities so that your application for college is appealing to admission.
You’ve got this!! :-)
But to answer your question, to become an Orthodontist, you will need to complete 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 so a total of 10-11 years of school before you are able to work in your career.
If this is something that you truly desire, do your best in high school (all As or all As and Bs to achieve a high GPA), and take part in clubs and activities so that your application for college is appealing to admission.
You’ve got this!! :-)
Updated
Kai’s Answer
It's fantastic that you've already identified your interests! Your journey begins with immersing yourself in the fascinating realms of math and science. As a pre-medical student in college, you'll be taking a number of academic courses in these fields. And here's a proactive step: why not connect with your local orthodontist? You could ask about job shadowing opportunities or even arrange an informational chat with them. This will give you a chance to understand the world of orthodontics better and learn about their personal journey from college and beyond. It's a great way to get a firsthand insight into the profession you're interested in!