It usually takes 5 years to become a dentist and obtain a degree in dentistry (the Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS degree). 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. You'll need to pass a written and practical exam to receive the license. Tags: career, career-req, requirements. If you open your own practice, you can choose your own days/hours of operation. These studies include externships where learners begin to treat patients under the direction supervision of an experienced Dentist. Is continuing education required for orthodontists? service rendering, teaching and research, the Department of Orthodontics of the University of Pretoria hopes to make a meaningful contribution to orofacial health both nationally and internationally and become a leader in this discipline of dentistry.   Students split their time between coursework in anatomy, periodontics and radiology, as well as clinical practice, where they gain experience working with patients, according to the BLS. Certification expires every ten years. PAT: You have 60 minutes to answer questions testing your spatial ability and logic. Orthodontists can become certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. The voluntary certification is awarded after candidates pass written and clinical exams. Once you receive your expertise in these areas, you will need to spend an additional four years in dental school; the first year will be going over these same science disciplines, and the remaining three years will concentrate on: 1. dental anatomy 2. oral biology 3. denta… why become an orthodontist? What's the difference between an orthodontist and the general dentist you visit twice annually? We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It takes several years to become an orthodontist. If you're thinking about pursuing this profession, you'll want to learn about the rigorous educational requirements. According to the BLS, orthodontists in training need to take the following steps before being able to practice: According to the American Dental Education Association, there's no recommended undergraduate major for aspiring orthodontists. % of people told us that this article helped them. Pass the Dental Admission Test to be able to apply for dental school, Pass the National Board Dental Examination, Obtain a license to practice orthodontics as a specialty, which may require a special state exam. Many people choose to go into business with a partner so that if they want to take vacations, the other orthodontist can see their patients while they're away. Every mouth and bite is unique, and getting a straight and healthy smile may require the expertise of an orthodontist, who helps individuals achieve properly aligned teeth and jaws. Approved. This article has been viewed 152,098 times. Endodontics; Operative Dentistry; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pain Control; Oral Diagnosis; Orthodontics/Pediatric Dentistry; Patient Management; Periodontics; Pharmacology; and Prosthodontics. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Like medical school, dental school is highly demanding. Make good use of the break you'll be given at the half-way point. For tips on how to prepare for your dental school exams, read on! A Bachelor's or Master's degree in medical or nursing science are the best choices for those who want to become a dentist or an orthodontist. Are you known for being keenly detailed and having high stamina? It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. The path to becoming an orthodontist is a competitive one. Coursework. If you are interested in the field of dentistry, then becoming an orthodontist might be for you. Apply for a place on an orthodontic training scheme. This makes becoming an orthodontist an incredibly viable and lucrative profession, with the chance for even greater growth in the coming years. References Orthodontists should have good communication and interpersonal skills, as well as diagnostic ability, manual dexterity, good visual memory and the ability to manage their own business. How to Become an Orthodontist: A Step by Step Guide Contact your state's dental board to find out which license(s) you need before you can begin your practice. NBDE II, Day 2: You will answer 100 case-based questions about what to do with actual patients. An undergraduate degree with coursework in chemistry, biology, and physics will help you prepare for the Dental Admission Test. Orthodontists are isolated to non-surgical treatment of the mouth and jaw areas, leaving them with a narrow scope of work. This is purely voluntary. Endodontists focus on the pulp of the tooth, whereas periodontists treat the gums and bone that support the teeth. You will have to take and pass an exam of 240 written questions, as well as a clinical exam. How to become an Orthodontist Orthodontists specialise in correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaw. "I'm only 12 years old, and ever since I was 3 years old I've wanted to be an orthodontist, so this article really, "I want to become a dentist and further specialize in orthodontics. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Become-an-Orthodontist-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-an-Orthodontist-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Become-an-Orthodontist-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1095382-v4-728px-Become-an-Orthodontist-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"