Posted on July 22, 2022
In today’s society, orthodontists play a crucial role in helping people achieve their dreams of straight teeth. They perform orthodontic procedures such as tooth extractions, bone grafts, braces placement, or cosmetic procedures.
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and correcting malocclusion. The Job outlook in this industry will probably increase, making this a lucrative career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, orthodontists earned a mean wage of $267,280 yearly, translating to an hourly rate of $128.50. But to become one, you will need extra training and licensing. The following information should help prospective orthodontic students understand what becoming an orthodontist entails.
When you want to become an orthodontist, starting early is better. You can begin in high school while studying science-related courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Excelling in these subjects can be a great boost to your dental journey.
University education is a requirement for most careers. That means that having a bachelor’s degree is essential for orthodontists. It doesn’t matter which field you’re studying. But biology, mathematics, and chemistry majors can benefit your career.
After completing your undergraduate, you need to take an aptitude test. This test gauges your interest in a career in dentistry. It involves surveys, reading comprehension, and perceptual ability tests.
Before becoming an orthodontist, you need to be a dentist. That means you must do about four years of intense study at a dental school. The first few years of training involve coursework related to science and other clinical components. Also, the final years are dedicated to aspects of dentistry that will eventually become a dental doctor.
Residency study focuses on the science of orthodontia. You can take the course in a teaching hospital joined to a university. During the course, you will learn skills relating to managing tooth movement and facial development.
The next step is to get a license that will enable you to practice your career. Licenses vary from one state to another. If you’re lucky, and there’s an orthodontic practice for sale in your area, you can begin your practice without relocating!
The journey to becoming an orthodontist can be long but rewarding at the same time. You can contact our helpful team with questions about orthodontic treatment. For more information about what happens when you see an orthodontic practice for sale, or about orthodontics in general, contact Join Smilebliss today!
