Students wondering how to become an orthodontist might join their undergraduate predental society or work or volunteer in a clinic or office. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Some hospitals may have their own training program which will allow you to enter the business sooner, but they may not qualify you to be an actual orthodontist. Apply for a place on an orthodontic training scheme. An average number of years to become an orthodontist is 10 to 11 years after high school graduation. There are, however, cases in which the candidates are accepted to the dental school after 3 or even 2 years of college and obtain their bachelor’s degree while also attending the courses of the dental school. As soon as you know where you're going, contact the program's financial aid office to begin the application process for financial aid. Find out what you need to qualify for a license. Ask the Colgate Chatbot! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. Before you can begin study in the orthodontic specialty, you must complete dental school and become a fully-certified dentist. On the orthodontist or around $200,000 on an average basis annually. There are several educational requirements for you to being an orthodontist; the least is to have a doctorate degree in dentistry. Interview — find out if your university's career center offers mock interviews to prepare for the interview process. By using our site, you agree to our. Training: All orthodontists are required to complete a 2-4-year internship or residency. All rights reserved. What's the difference between an orthodontist and the general dentist you visit twice annually? As an orthodontist, are you only off on holidays? This makes becoming an orthodontist an incredibly viable and lucrative profession, with the chance for even greater growth in the coming years. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You must take and pass a renewal exam every decade to prove you are still able to practice at a high standard. Tags: career, career-req, requirements. It is necessary that all individuals successfully graduate from a dental school and acquire the necessary license for practice. The 90 questions cover angle discrimination, cube counting, view recognition, 3D for development, and paper folding. If you're up to the challenge, though, you can have a fulfilling career helping patients achieve beautiful smiles! The truth is they treat patients of all ages by solving alignment or bite problems and preventing these problems from becoming worse down the line. My school requires a 3.0 but it may be different for others, depending on where you're from or which schools you're looking at. It takes several years to become an orthodontist. However, dental schools typically require prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry. Colgate Reaches Children in Need Across the Globe With the Power of a Bright Smile. Like medical school, dental school is highly demanding. Is continuing education required for orthodontists? Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. After completing your high school training, you have to complete the pre-requisite courses to be admitted to dental school. You can take the written exam after completing eighteen months of your residency. How To Become an Orthodontist Dentists must be licensed in the state (s) in which they work. Contact the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) to apply. Set aside at least an hour every weekday to study for the test. Learn more... Orthodontists are dental specialists who correct improper alignment and straighten teeth. They provide non-surgical treatments to alleviating a number of problems, including speech defects, chewing difficulties and poor oral hygiene. Like every other technical profession, becoming an orthodontist begins by earning a college degree in a few years of school. You'll typically need to spend 2-4 years in an undergraduate program, four years in dental school and 2-3 years in a … A Bachelor degree in dentistry is essential when willing to become an orthodontist. At least one year before seeking admission, d… After qualifying, work as a dentist and gain experience in all fields of dentistry. If you are interested in the field of dentistry, then becoming an orthodontist might be for you. That means that after high school, another 12 or more years of formal education are needed in order to become an orthodontist in Canada. If you just say that you'll study when you have spare time, you'll find you suddenly have no time to spare! The exam will provide a summary of the patient's health and history; dental chart; diagnostic radiographs, and clinical photographs. While an orthodontist is trained in general dentistry, you wouldn't seek out this specialist for a toothache. If you want to retake the exam to try for a higher score, just get back to studying and redouble your efforts. But if helping a patient achieve their dream smile sounds most appealing, a career in orthodontics could be in your future. Career Options. To become an orthodontist, you need to be ready for the competition. This specialist is a qualified dentist who has completed advanced training in corrective appliances (such as braces) and tooth and jaw alignment, states the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). Furthermore, a high grade point average (GPA), a passing score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and references are required. Licensure requirements vary by state, although candidates usually must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical exams. These studies include externships where learners begin to treat patients under the direction supervision of an experienced Dentist. But once you do become an orthodontist, you'll be paid well. You will need a high school diploma, and it is likely that you will also have to go to college for at least four years. If you're thinking about pursuing this profession, you'll want to learn about the rigorous educational requirements. Certification: While formal certification and licensing would come after you’ve completed residency, orthodontists must pass both a dentist license exam, as well as the ABO’s board exam. Whereas the first two years will focus on various basic science coursework such as biochemistry and anatomy, the final two will center on clinical experience and knowledge. Here's how to become an orthodontist, including what education and certifications are necessary, and what the role and salary entails. Once you graduate from dental school, take the National Board Dental Examination to get your license.