A significant amount of research and planning is often required to choose the best orthodontic training. When considering your academic options, you might be concerned about a program's rank, for example, along with faculty member reputations and other factors that contribute to a respected program. Attending an accredited institution is usually important in order to prepare for licensing exams to become an orthodontic specialist. Choosing the best orthodontic training also involves some personal preparation, as many schools tend to admit very few applicants each year.
Orthodontics is one of the most common of the dental specialty areas. Orthodontists mainly treat problems with the teeth and jaw. Their primary focus is the study of dental anomalies such as improper bites, called malocclusions. Common treatments include braces and retainers, and sometimes surgery. The field requires advanced medical skills, which can be obtained through the study of general dentistry followed by orthodontic training.
Someone interested in orthodontic training should start researching academic programs when they are still in high school. The field is considered highly competitive, and entry into selected programs may be difficult. Doing well in high school classes such health, biology, and other sciences can help a student prepare for similar courses in college.
The next step is to look for a reputable undergraduate or pre-med program where you can focus on specific courses such as anatomy or chemistry. Additional coursework that might be advantageous could include math, business, or communications. In general, the best orthodontic training is often a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for more rigorous study when they enter post-graduate degree programs.
Typically, the next phase of orthodontic training after earning an undergraduate degree is applying to a dental school. You normally need to submit your undergraduate transcripts, recommendations, and Dental Admissions Test scores. It is important at this point to ensure that the dental school to which you apply is accredited, as this typically is a requirement to sit for the licensing exam. Most dental programs last an average of four years, and the degree conferred is usually a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
After earning this degree, you usually have to pass a competency exam in order to receive a dentist's license. Aspiring orthodontists need two to three additional years of training beyond dental school. You will most likely need to complete a residency as well, though doing so is not required to become an orthodontic assistant in most places. Once you finish the residency, you can become licensed to practice as an independent orthodontist.
When researching orthodontic training programs, it also may be wise to consider distance learning, which could be an option for students who do not live near an accredited dental school or where there is a shortage of qualified faculty. In these cases, certain program components may be completed online. In addition, continuing education opportunities are available for orthodontists who wish to update their skills and stay current in the field. Common options in the U.S., for example, often include webinars and other online teaching methods. These are frequently offered to members of professional orthodontic associations.
