Orthodontists

High School

You should begin preparing for an orthodontics career with a course load that emphasizes, but is not restricted to, math and science subjects. Courses such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus are important to take. Biology, chemistry, physics, and health are also necessary. Additionally, you should take computer science, English, history, and other classes recommended by your school as baseline courses for college preparation.

Postsecondary Training

Getting admitted to dental school requires that you first complete three to four years of undergraduate college education. Because gaining acceptance into a dental school is fiercely competitive, maintaining a strong grade point average while you are in college is necessary. A bachelor's degree is not strictly required, but it is a credential that significantly increases an applicant's chances of being admitted to a dental school.

Recommended college courses are similar to those suggested in high school. A typical degree for someone entering this field is a bachelor of science in biology. Required course work generally involves taking math classes, such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Science courses include biology, anatomy, physiology, anthropology, zoology, botany, and microbiology.

On the practical side, business classes such as marketing, economics, accounting, management, and finance prepare you for owning and operating a business. Liberal arts courses such as psychology, sociology, and English may also help a future orthodontist become more comfortable in communicating with people.

You must score well on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) before being admitted into a dental program, which usually takes three to five years to complete. Doing well on the DAT helps dental schools determine whether or not you will succeed in dental school. Dental school courses are made up of advanced science classes, clinical work, and laboratory classes. During the last two years of dental school, clinical treatment is emphasized, and you give supervised treatment to patients at a university dental clinic. Graduates receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree.

This degree qualifies you to work as a general dentist. To become an orthodontist, however, you will be required to continue in your schooling. Postgraduate programs, which are accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, may last from two to three years. Gaining acceptance to a postgraduate program in orthodontics is also competitive. Therefore, it is critical that you maintain a high grade point average during dental school.

Other Education or Training

To keep abreast of advancements in orthodontics, orthodontists regularly take continuing education (CE) courses. Other educational activities include attending workshops and seminars, reading professional journals, and participating in study clubs. This helps a practicing orthodontist acquire the most up-to-date skills and knowledge of the best materials to use. The American Association of Orthodontists provides CE opportunities at association-sponsored conferences and via online courses. Recent offerings included "Contemporary Approaches to Marketing," "Creative Technology for Your Orthodontic Practice," and "How to Run a More Profitable Practice." The association also offers the Business of Orthodontics learning series for students and residents. The American Dental Association also offers CE classes, webinars, and seminars. Contact these organizations for more information.