How do I Become an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws in children and adults. These professionals fit patients with metal braces, retainers and other specialized devices to align teeth and fix improper bites. Since the work requires an extremely high degree of expert knowledge and dedication, a person who wants to become an orthodontist must be willing to meet lengthy, expensive educational and training requirements.

He or she must go through about four years of post-baccalaureate dental school and successfully complete a two to three year residency at a dental clinic or private office. A high school student who wants to pursue a career as an orthodontist can prepare by taking advanced courses in life sciences and health. Such courses introduce students to the basics to anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry, subjects that will be studied at length in future college courses.

Nearing high school graduation, a hopeful orthodontist can do Internet research, visit college campuses, and speak with his or her guidance counselor to learn about different undergraduate programs and select the best university. Undergraduates typically major in health, premedical studies, or life sciences. They receive thorough classroom and laboratory instruction on the physiology of the human body, especially the mouth and jaw.