Here’s a brief list of what Orthodontists do:

• Orthodontic Assessment: Evaluating patients' dental and facial structure through examinations, dental records, and imaging (such as X-rays and scans).

• Treatment Planning: Developing personalized treatment plans to correct misaligned teeth, improper bites (malocclusions), and jaw growth discrepancies.

• Braces and Aligners: Designing and applying orthodontic appliances such as braces, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign), and retainers to move teeth into proper alignment.

• Adjustments and Monitoring: Making adjustments to orthodontic appliances as treatment progresses and monitoring patients' progress through regular appointments.

• Interdisciplinary Care: Collaborating with other dental specialists, such as oral surgeons and periodontists, for comprehensive treatment of complex cases.

• Orthognathic Surgery: Coordinating with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform surgical procedures to correct severe jaw misalignments.

• Patient Education: Providing guidance to patients on maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment and explaining the importance of compliance with treatment plans.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Undergraduate Education:

• Complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While specific majors are not always required, coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics is beneficial. Maintain a high GPA to enhance your chances of acceptance into dental school.

2. Dental Admission Test (DAT):

• Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) during your undergraduate studies. This exam assesses your academic abilities and scientific knowledge necessary for dental school.

3. Dental School:

• Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree program at an accredited dental school. This typically takes about four years.

• Dental school curriculum includes coursework in dental anatomy, oral pathology, dental radiology, and clinical training in diagnosing and treating dental conditions.

4. Specialization in Orthodontics:

• After dental school, pursue postgraduate education in orthodontics. This involves applying to and completing a residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

• Orthodontic residency programs typically last about two to three years and focus on advanced training in orthodontic techniques, diagnosis, and treatment planning. You’ll gain hands-on experience treating patients under the supervision of experienced orthodontists.

5. Licensing:

• Obtain a license to practice dentistry in your state or country by passing the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) and any additional state-specific licensing exams.

• After completing your orthodontic residency, you may need to pass additional exams specific to orthodontics to obtain specialty certification.

6. Certification and Membership:

• Consider becoming board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) or similar certifying bodies in your country. Board certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of orthodontic care.

• Join professional organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to stay updated on advancements in orthodontics and participate in continuing education opportunities.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!