2. Job Description
• Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that
examines and treats dental malocclusions.
• Orthodontists design and create appliances for
the realignment of teeth and jaws to maintain an
overall better bite and to improve a person’s
appearance.
• They examine x-rays of patient’s teeth and facial
pictures to create a treatment plan.
3. Education
• Must complete at least 2 years of undergraduate
education.
• Many earn at least a bachelor’s in a science or
math related field such as biology, chemistry,
physics, or health before enrolling in a dental
school.
• Must complete 4 years of an approved dental
school and 2-3 years of orthodontist training.
4. Salary
• An Orthodontist’s mean annual salary in the
United States is $204,670 a year.
• The lowest 10% earn about $70,530, while
the highest 10% can earn up to $250,000 per
year.
• The top 5 highest paying states are Kansas,
Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, and New York with
Orthodontists making an annual mean of
$232,010 to $249,580.
5. Career Skills
• Must be active listeners and be capable of
communicating oral information and ideas to
orthodontic technicians and assistants, as well as
patients.
• Have good reading comprehension skills as well
as oral.
• Must have the ability to keep hand and arm
steady.
• Should be able to quickly detect when a problem
has occurred.
• Must have the ability to precisely grasp and
assemble small objects.
6. Certification/Licensure
• Orthodontic students can gain certification
through the National Board of Orthodontics or the
American Board of Orthodontics.
• Both require to have graduated from an
approved dental school and have experience
as a practicing orthodontist.
• The American Board of Orthodontics requires
diplomats to retake the certification exam
periodically.
• The National Board of Orthodontics requires
you to meet any continued education
requirements.
• Some states may require additional orthodontic
licensure.
7. Employment
• Orthodontists usually work in offices or clinics.
• Most work approximately 30-40 hours per week.
• Many Orthodontists who begin to practice on
their own typically work longer.
• The states with the highest employment are
California, Indiana, Georgia, New Jersey, and
Ohio.
