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Jolie
Student
Ambler, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Updated
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What should I major in to someday become an Orthodontist?
what path do I take to become a orthodontist
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Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
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Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Jolie:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be an Orthodontist. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As an Orthodontist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with dental staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
To become an Orthodontist, a Bachelor Degree in biology, chemistry or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, an advanced degree from an accredited dental school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through an accredited Orthodontics residency as well as dental certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 11 years to become an Orthodontist. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4 years. Dental school will be another 4 years. Dental residency, certification and licensing can take up to 2-3 years.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become an Orthodontist:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to Universities.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Orthodontics:
- University of Rochester
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Stony Brook University
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
- University of Illinois (Chicago)
- University of Washington (Seattle)
- Marquette University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Howard University
https://www.universities.com/programs/orthodontics-orthodontology-degrees
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as an Orthodontist!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare to be an Orthodontist. Chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, calculus and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As an Orthodontist, communication is essential and critical when dealing with dental staff and patients. A college course in Public Speaking, Communication and English will help with one's communication and writing skills.
To become an Orthodontist, a Bachelor Degree in biology, chemistry or another science related field has to be earned at a college or university. Afterwards, an advanced degree from an accredited dental school has to be obtained. The next phase will be training through an accredited Orthodontics residency as well as dental certification and licensing.
For education and training, it will take up to 11 years to become an Orthodontist. The Bachelor Degree will be between 4 years. Dental school will be another 4 years. Dental residency, certification and licensing can take up to 2-3 years.
While in college, here are some undergraduate degrees to major in order to become an Orthodontist:
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
It will be best to seek advice from your high school guidance counselor as well as teachers to help you focus your interests for a specific major in college.
According to Universities.com, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Orthodontics:
- University of Rochester
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Stony Brook University
- Texas A&M University (College Station)
- University of Illinois (Chicago)
- University of Washington (Seattle)
- Marquette University
- Case Western Reserve University
- Howard University
https://www.universities.com/programs/orthodontics-orthodontology-degrees
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path as an Orthodontist!
Wow! Thank you for this in depth response.
Jolie