3 answers
Sameem
Student
Melissa, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What specifically do I need to start doing from my sophomore year to begin my path on becoming an Orthodontist??
What classes would you recommend I take from now until college/university? How many years did it take to become and orthodontist or an oral surgeon?
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3 answers
HOSSAM AL-DAOOS
general dentist
2
Answers
Thamar, Dhamar Governorate
Updated
HOSSAM’s Answer
To begin your path toward becoming an orthodontist, there are several steps you can take during your sophomore year and beyond. Here's a specific roadmap to help you get started:
Maintain a strong academic performance: Focus on achieving excellent grades in your coursework, especially in science-related subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics. These subjects are fundamental to the field of orthodontics.
Seek out relevant extracurricular activities: Join clubs or organizations related to dentistry, orthodontics, or healthcare. This can include pre-dental societies, science clubs, or volunteering at dental clinics. Engaging in these activities demonstrates your commitment and passion for the field.
Shadow and network with orthodontists: Reach out to local orthodontists and request the opportunity to shadow them. This will give you firsthand exposure to the profession and allow you to observe orthodontic procedures. Additionally, networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and potential mentorship opportunities.
Research dental schools and admission requirements: Start researching dental schools and their specific prerequisites for admission. Understand the required coursework, standardized tests (such as the Dental Admission Test or DAT), letters of recommendation, and any other application requirements. This will help you plan your academic path accordingly.
Build strong relationships with professors and advisors: Cultivate relationships with your professors and academic advisors. They can provide guidance, support, and recommendation letters for your dental school applications. Attend office hours, ask questions, and seek their advice on preparing for a career in orthodontics.
Gain relevant dental experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the dental field. Consider working or volunteering as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, or in a dental laboratory. This experience will provide you with practical skills and further reinforce your interest in orthodontics.
Excel in your coursework and DAT preparation: As you progress through your undergraduate studies, continue to prioritize your academic performance. Prepare thoroughly for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) by utilizing study resources, practice exams, and possibly enrolling in a DAT preparation course. Aim for a competitive score that aligns with your target dental schools.
Apply to dental schools: During your junior or senior year, begin the application process for dental schools. Submit your application materials, including your personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and DAT scores. Ensure that you meet all the deadlines and requirements for each school you apply to.
Complete dental school: Once accepted into a dental school, you will embark on a rigorous four-year program to earn your Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. During this time, focus on excelling in your coursework, participating in clinical rotations, and seeking out orthodontic experiences whenever possible.
Pursue orthodontic residency: After dental school, you will need to complete a postgraduate orthodontic residency program, typically lasting two to three years. These programs provide specialized training in orthodontics and allow you to gain hands-on experience treating patients under the guidance of experienced orthodontists.
Obtain licensure and certification: After completing your orthodontic residency, you will need to obtain a dental license to practice as an orthodontist. The specific requirements for licensure vary by jurisdiction, so make sure to research and fulfill the requirements in your desired location. Additionally, you may choose to pursue board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) to further enhance your credentials.
Maintain a strong academic performance: Focus on achieving excellent grades in your coursework, especially in science-related subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics. These subjects are fundamental to the field of orthodontics.
Seek out relevant extracurricular activities: Join clubs or organizations related to dentistry, orthodontics, or healthcare. This can include pre-dental societies, science clubs, or volunteering at dental clinics. Engaging in these activities demonstrates your commitment and passion for the field.
Shadow and network with orthodontists: Reach out to local orthodontists and request the opportunity to shadow them. This will give you firsthand exposure to the profession and allow you to observe orthodontic procedures. Additionally, networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and potential mentorship opportunities.
Research dental schools and admission requirements: Start researching dental schools and their specific prerequisites for admission. Understand the required coursework, standardized tests (such as the Dental Admission Test or DAT), letters of recommendation, and any other application requirements. This will help you plan your academic path accordingly.
Build strong relationships with professors and advisors: Cultivate relationships with your professors and academic advisors. They can provide guidance, support, and recommendation letters for your dental school applications. Attend office hours, ask questions, and seek their advice on preparing for a career in orthodontics.
Gain relevant dental experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the dental field. Consider working or volunteering as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, or in a dental laboratory. This experience will provide you with practical skills and further reinforce your interest in orthodontics.
Excel in your coursework and DAT preparation: As you progress through your undergraduate studies, continue to prioritize your academic performance. Prepare thoroughly for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) by utilizing study resources, practice exams, and possibly enrolling in a DAT preparation course. Aim for a competitive score that aligns with your target dental schools.
Apply to dental schools: During your junior or senior year, begin the application process for dental schools. Submit your application materials, including your personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and DAT scores. Ensure that you meet all the deadlines and requirements for each school you apply to.
Complete dental school: Once accepted into a dental school, you will embark on a rigorous four-year program to earn your Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. During this time, focus on excelling in your coursework, participating in clinical rotations, and seeking out orthodontic experiences whenever possible.
Pursue orthodontic residency: After dental school, you will need to complete a postgraduate orthodontic residency program, typically lasting two to three years. These programs provide specialized training in orthodontics and allow you to gain hands-on experience treating patients under the guidance of experienced orthodontists.
Obtain licensure and certification: After completing your orthodontic residency, you will need to obtain a dental license to practice as an orthodontist. The specific requirements for licensure vary by jurisdiction, so make sure to research and fulfill the requirements in your desired location. Additionally, you may choose to pursue board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) to further enhance your credentials.
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
I would recommend AP biology, AP Chemistry, statistics, calculus, any upper level science, AP physics. Not all of these are mandatory but as many as you can fit/
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Sameem:
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!