Choosing a career in orthodontics can be both rewarding and financially beneficial. Compared to general dentists, orthodontists earn about $50,000 more annually, up to over $2 million in lifetime earnings. This reflects the specialized nature of the job. But the question is, how long does it take to become an orthodontist?
While becoming an orthodontist can be a fulfilling career, the journey takes work. It involves a long educational path with extra years of study and specialized training to master your skills.
However, if you have decided to become an orthodontist and want to know more about the topic, you are in the right place. This guide will explore what it takes to become an orthodontist and how many years of schooling you need before you can start practicing.
How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist?
For those wondering how long it takes to become an orthodontist, we will answer your question in detail in this section.
Becoming an orthodontist is a long and demanding process that takes 10 to 11 years. It involves the education and training required to hone your skills.
Here's a breakdown of the journey:
Undergraduate Degree
You start your journey with a bachelor's degree from a university. This takes four years and involves physics, biology, and chemistry coursework.
Dental School
Next, you will attend dental school, which usually lasts four years. Here, you will learn dentistry's fundamentals and gain hands-on patient care experience.
Orthodontic Residency
After completing dental school, you will enter a specialized orthodontic residency program for 2 to 3 years. During this time, you will focus on advanced orthodontic techniques and treatments.
Throughout your orthodontist schooling years, you must pass several exams and compete for spots in competitive programs. Becoming an orthodontist is challenging, but the rewards are significant. You gain the skills and knowledge to transform patients' smiles and improve their lives upon completion. This indeed makes all the years of hard work worthwhile.
Importance Of High School Science Courses
Now that you know how to become an orthodontist, let's shift our attention to other important details. This section will tell you how learning science in high school can help you with your orthodontist degree.
For those aiming to become an orthodontist, it is essential to have a solid understanding of science. It would help to focus more on subjects like physics, biology, and chemistry in high school.
These subjects lay the groundwork for more advanced and specialized courses that you will encounter in college. Additionally, taking anatomy and general health classes can be beneficial as they help you understand how your body works and how different systems interact. This can make your future studies in orthodontics smoother and more manageable. Overall, having a strong science background is more likely to set you up for success in the demanding path ahead.
Deciding Orthodontics As A Career In High School
If you are in high school and considering a career in orthodontics, making that decision early can be highly beneficial.
Becoming an orthodontist while still in high school allows you to lay the groundwork for a smoother journey. As mentioned, the road to becoming a successful orthodontist is long and demanding. It requires specific academic preparation, so starting early will help.
By being proactive in your approach, you can make informed decisions about your career that align with your goals.
Why Are Pre-Dental Courses Important?
Pre-dental courses are a crucial part of your preparation. These science-based courses help you earn a bachelor's degree and provide the specific knowledge and skills required to become an orthodontics professional.
Pre-dental courses are essential because they cover scientific principles directly relevant to orthodontics and dentistry. Courses like biochemistry, biology, physics, and organic chemistry help you understand how the human body works, particularly dental.
One of the key reasons to take these pre-dental courses is that they help you prepare for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). It is a standardized exam that dental schools use to assess your readiness for the academic challenges ahead. The test covers essential areas, including natural sciences, quantitative reasoning, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension. By completing pre-dental courses, you become equipped to tackle the DAT and achieve a competitive score.
Lastly, pre-dental courses help you build a strong career in orthodontics. The concepts and skills you learn in these classes serve as your career's foundation. This is why you should take pre-dental courses seriously.
Tips For Preparing And Passing DAT
Preparing for the DAT (Dental Admission Test) involves planning and strategy. To help you out, we have provided a few essential tips:
Start Early
It is wise to start your preparation early to avoid the pressure and anxiety of cramming at the last minute.
Use Study Resources
You should use study guides, online resources, and practice exams. They are designed to familiarize you with the test format and help you measure your readiness.
Focus On Weak Areas
Identifying the subjects or sections you struggle with the most is essential. Dedicate extra time to improving and performing well in the exam.
Seek Advice
If needed, you shouldn't hesitate to connect with mentors who have successfully taken the DAT. They can provide valuable guidance and encouragement.
Plan A Study Routine
It would help to prepare a well-organized study plan for adequate and systematic preparation. This will help you to master the exam.
Final Words
You should know how long it takes to become an orthodontist. Anybody willing to enter this field must dedicate 10-11 years of their life to education and training. You are ready to practice once you have completed your training and acquired the required certifications. It is a highly lucrative and fulfilling career for those who want to make it big.
FAQs
How much time does it take to become an orthodontist?
It takes about 10-11 years to become an orthodontist. The journey involves different stages of education and training.
How long does it take to finish orthodontics?
Orthodontic training takes about 2 to 3 years after completing dental school.
How long does it take to become an orthodontist in Australia?
It takes about 9-10 years to become an orthodontist in Australia.
How to become an orthodontist in India?
To become an orthodontist in India, you must earn a bachelor's degree in Dental Surgery (BDS) and complete a master's degree in orthodontics (MDS).
Do braces take three years?
Braces take between 1 to 3 years to achieve the desired results. However, the exact time depends on the complexity of the case and the type of braces used.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
A dentist is a general practitioner who handles various oral health issues. At the same time, an orthodontist is a specialist who focuses on correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaws.