What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They design and apply braces, clear aligners, and other corrective devices to improve dental alignment and bite function. Orthodontists treat patients of all ages, from children to adults, helping them achieve healthier, more attractive smiles.
Other Job Titles for This Work
Workers in this occupation report titles such as Board Certified Orthodontist, Orthodontic Dentist, Orthodontic Specialist, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Specialist, Orthodontics Doctor.
Orthodontist Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an orthodontist include:
- Examine patients teeth, jaws, and facial structures to diagnose malocclusions and orthodontic problems.
- Take impressions, photographs, and X-rays to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Design and apply braces, clear aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances.
- Adjust wires, bands, and brackets at regular intervals to guide teeth into proper alignment.
- Monitor treatment progress through periodic appointments and modify plans as needed.
- Use digital treatment planning software and 3D imaging to create precise treatment simulations.
- Educate patients on proper care of orthodontic appliances and oral hygiene during treatment.
- Collaborate with general dentists, oral surgeons, and periodontists on complex cases.
- Manage patient records, treatment timelines, and practice billing and scheduling.
- Stay current on advances in orthodontic materials, techniques, and technology.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an orthodontist, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
- Bracket placement and wire adjustment
- Clear aligner therapy
- Cephalometric and radiographic analysis
- Digital treatment simulation
- Patient education and motivation
- Manual dexterity and precision
- Practice management and leadership
Education and Training
Orthodontists must first earn a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school, followed by completion of a two to three-year orthodontic residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Residency training includes advanced coursework in craniofacial growth and development, biomechanics, and clinical orthodontics. Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) is voluntary but highly respected and involves a written examination and case presentation review. All orthodontists must maintain state dental licensure and complete continuing education requirements.
Salary and Job Outlook
Average Salary: $200,000 - $350,000 per year
The demand for orthodontists is expected to remain strong over the next decade. Adult orthodontic treatment has grown significantly, driven by the popularity of clear aligner systems and the desire for improved dental aesthetics. Advances in digital scanning, 3D printing, and computer-aided treatment planning are expanding the scope of orthodontic care. While competition exists in urban areas, orthodontists in suburban and rural communities often find strong patient demand.
What the Work Is Like
O*NET surveys people who work as orthodontists about their daily conditions. Of those surveyed:
- 100% wear safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses or a hard hat every day
- 100% say teamwork is very or extremely important in their job
- 100% say being exact and accurate is very or extremely important
- 93% work indoors in a climate-controlled space every day
- 93% use their hands on tools, objects or controls for more than half the day
- 83% have a lot of freedom to make decisions
- 67% use email every day
Education Workers Say the Job Needs
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Post-doctoral training | 69% |
| Doctoral degree | 12% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 8% |
| Professional degree | 7% |
Tools and Software Orthodontists Use
Tools and equipment
Software
Is This Job a Good Fit for You?
People who do well in this job tend to enjoy analyzing problems and working with ideas as well as hands-on work with tools, machines or the outdoors.
Skills O*NET rates most important: Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Reading Comprehension.
Knowledge areas used most: Medicine and Dentistry, Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Biology, Computers and Electronics.
Preparation: O*NET places this occupation in Job Zone 5 of 5, which means extensive preparation.
Related Careers
These jobs use similar skills, according to O*NET's related-occupation data:
Applying for an Orthodontist Job
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Sources
- O*NET 30.1 Database, occupation 29-1023.00 (Orthodontists). View on O*NET OnLine.
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