Orthodontists are specialists in treating misalignments. These abnormalities can affect chewing and speech. The orthodontist can correct these problems with a variety of unobtrusive devices and treatments.
Dental Degree
Orthodontists are dental specialists who deal with the alignment of teeth, jaws and facial bones. They are trained to not only treat current issues such as crowding or overbite but also identify future problems. They perform surgery, exams and X-rays to help their patients attain healthier and more comfortable smiles.
Like all dentists, orthodontist Boston are required to have a bachelor’s degree. This can be in any field, but many people choose pre-dentistry and pre-med as their major. The dental school lasts four years and leads to the doctor of medicine (DMD) or doctorate of dentistry (DDS). During this period, you will be taught the basics of dental hygiene and oral health, as well as advanced topics like biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology.
After earning your dental degree, a residency is required. This is a specialized training program that prepares you to become an orthodontist, or other specialist, in your chosen field. These programs are intensive but give you the experience you need to succeed in the real world.
Once you’ve completed your residency, you can apply to become a board-certified orthodontist. You must pass an orthodontic exam that covers many topics. Once you are a certified orthodontic specialist, you can provide the highest level of care to your patients.
In addition to orthodontists, other specialties in dentistry include pediatric dentists, endodontists and periodontists. Each of these specialties requires their own training programs and certifications. There are currently 12 recognized dental specialties in the United States, and you can further refine your skills by pursuing an advanced degree or master’s program. These degrees are often combined with a residency in order to prepare students for private practice, research or teaching.
Residency
Orthodontists are specialized dentists who diagnose and treat mal-positioned teeth, misaligned jaws and other problems with the facial structure. They create treatment plans using in-person examinations as well as 2D or 3-D xrays, photos, molds, and other tools. They treat patients of any age, but they are most often seen by children, adolescents, and adults.
You must complete a Bachelor’s degree before pursuing a Dental degree. Some dental schools have combined programs that reduce the time required for college and dental education. After completing dental school, you will need to complete a two to three year orthodontic residency program. These programs are highly regarded and provide a more comprehensive education in orthodontia, dentofacial orthotics and related fields.
After completing your orthodontic training, you must obtain a state license to practice dentistry. You must pass both written and practical exams. You can then choose to pursue a private orthodontic practice or work in a medically underserved area. Many orthodontists prefer to work in private practices. They usually have a staff that includes dental assistants and hygienists. One or more orthodontists run the practice. They are responsible for the management of the practice. This includes scheduling appointments, making sure patients follow through on their care, and adhering to strict rules about patient safety and confidentiality.
Some orthodontists opt to work in community clinics, which are largely volunteer-based and tend to serve patients who do not have the financial resources for private or academic practices. These clinics may be more emotionally demanding, and they may require long hours because of limited resources and personnel. Additionally, these clinics often have higher levels of stress and a lack of work-life balance.
It is important that you develop strong communication and interpersonal skills, regardless of the type practice you choose. You must be able to interact with patients in a calm and confident manner and explain complex treatment procedures. You should also be able to read dental models, photographs, and x-rays to determine the best treatment for each patient.
Orthodontic Training
Orthodontics deals with the diagnosis and correction of malocclusions (irregularities in the alignment or teeth and jaws). Misalignment may cause debilitating issues, including difficulty chewing, maintaining oral hygiene, speech disorders, temporomandibular disease (TMD), or jaw bone recession. Orthodontists can correct such problems using a variety of techniques and appliances, including braces, clear removable aligners, headgear, palatal expanders and other devices.
Orthodontists must have a degree from an undergraduate program and be accepted to dental school. Admission to dental schools is highly competitive, and requires an excellent academic record. Dental school curriculum includes courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and math. Dental school graduates are required to pass the Dental Acceptance Test and the National Board Dental Examination in order to obtain their licenses.
After completing dental school, many orthodontists choose to undergo orthodontic residency training. The residency programs last between 3-5 years, and they provide intensive training in orthodontia and dental orthopedics. During this period, residents will be involved in hundreds of orthodontic procedures and gain a thorough understanding of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tooth and facial abnormalities.
While general dentists can treat some orthodontic problems, they must refer patients with complex issues to orthodontists. Orthodontists have advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions, including the manipulation of facial bones to correct jaw discrepancies.
Orthodontists who have completed their residency are eligible to start their own private practices. They can also work for a dental corporation which operates multiple dental offices. This gives them the stability and security of a steady flow of patients, as well as access to the latest technology and equipment.
Some orthodontists choose to work in public clinics, where they can help low-income patients get the care they require. Others choose to concentrate their expertise on cleft lips and palate treatment and collaborate with other health professionals for comprehensive care.
Orthodontic Certification
Orthodontists are specialists in the treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. They treat a range of issues, such as crooked teeth and overlapping ones that are hard to clean and can increase your chances of developing dental problems in the future. These issues, if left untreated, can lead asymmetrical development of the jaws, improper wearing of the teeth and chewing problems.
Orthodontists are required to complete a 2- to 3-year orthodontic residency after graduating from dental school. This program allows them to develop their skills, and to receive advanced training on the alignment of teeth and jaws. After completing their advanced training, they will be licensed to practice orthodontics by their state.
In addition to completing the required education, training, and licensing procedures, orthodontists must also stay up to date with the latest advancements in orthodontic technology, treatments, and practices. This ensures the orthodontist has the most up-to-date knowledge and techniques and a better understanding your unique treatment concerns and needs.
Many orthodontists open their own practices after completing residency. This makes them both practicing orthodontists and small business owners who must hire a team of support staff, such as dental assistants, hygienists, and office administrators, to help them see and manage patients. They must ensure that all state and federal regulations are followed, including those governing patient safety, medical privacy and labor laws.
