Last Updated on October 6, 2024 by Mozam Iqbal
Each human is unique, both in their nature and in how their body is structured and shaped. We need extra care and precautions according to our body’s needs or demands. Similarly, our mouth has different variations in structure and size, and we have different sensitivity levels according to our body mechanisms.
Teeth play a primary role in maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Besides aiding in chewing, teeth play an essential role in digestion. We need to take care of our oral health in order to live a life without any discomfort.
According to medical experts, visiting your family dentist twice a year is beneficial. They help protect us from oral diseases and are also responsible for maintaining good tooth health.
But, if you are suffering from a medical condition that is not in the hands of a dentist. What will the dentist do? They will refer you to an orthodontist with more qualifications, education, and experience than a simple dentist. Now the question that arises in your mind is;
- Who is an orthodontist?
- Why is an orthodontist superior in dentistry to a simple dentist?
- How long does it take to become an Orthodontist?
- What degree do you need to be an orthodontist?
Here we are; in this article, we will discuss who an orthodontist is, the responsibilities of an orthodontist, education requirements, the stages involved in becoming an orthodontist, and much more.
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Who Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a doctor who is more skilled and acquires more education and training than a simple dentist. Dentists do simple examinations and are responsible for cleaning your yellow teeth or treating cavities. Orthodontists are accountable for curing severe oral health problems. They treat the misalignments and structural defects of the jaw and the teeth.
Job and Roles of an Orthodontist
- Deal with structural defects of jaws and teeth
- Treat overcrowded teeth
- Diagnose the underlying cause of a problem
- Suggest treatments
- Braces to treat the misalignment
How To Become An Orthodontist: What It Takes
The answer to how many years it takes to become an orthodontist is it requires a period of ten to twelve years. To accomplish the journey of a specialist orthodontist, you need long-term patience and commitment. To pursue orthodontics as a profession, you should be interested in in-depth medical science, as orthodontics is all about problem-solving. There are multiple stages involved in becoming an orthodontist. We will discuss the stages, education requirements, and what degree do you need to be an orthodontist.
Stage 1. Accomplish A Bachelor’s Degree
After completing your secondary education in science subjects, you now have to get admission to a university to get your bachelor’s in science. Education in university is one of the most critical steps of your career building. If you want to become an orthodontist, it is essential to complete your bachelor’s in science. It usually takes four years.
At university, you’ll study anatomy, biology, and other scientific subjects in depth. This education is crucial for reaching your full potential and will be especially beneficial if you aim to become an orthodontist.
Stage 2. Clear The Dental Aptitude Test (Dat)
After acquiring a bachelor’s degree in science and completing the four-year tenure at the university, you will give the Dental Aptitude test. In Canada and America, Dental Association conducts this test to test your capability for the persuasion of a career in dentistry.
Stage 3. Get The Degree In Doctor Of Medical Dentistry
After completing the bachelor’s, you now have to get admission to Dental School in order to accomplish the Degree of “Doctor of Dental Surgery” or Doctor of Medical Dentistry. In dental school, you will read about the human anatomy and the interrelation of the human body with oral diseases.
You came to know about the treatment plan and learn how to protect the patients from oral diseases. The time of this learning process in dental school is four years. Here you learn and practice under a different professional dentist, and this is the beginning of the journey that leads you toward becoming an orthodontist.
Stage 4. Dental License
After dental school, you will get a “Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree” or “Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD).” You need a dental license to practice as a dentist.
In Canada, the exam for the dental license is conducted by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada. This test comprises two parts based on the knowledge you have taken in dental school. If you focus on your studies in dental school, you should be able to pass this test with ease.
Stage 5. Complete The Residency Program
Once you acquire the dental license and want to proceed with the specialization in dentistry, you must complete the residency program in a teaching hospital linked to your institute. This residency program requires three to five years to accomplish. During the residency program, Extensive training and education and adequately learn about orthodontics.
You came to have in-depth knowledge of oral development and facial structures. In residency, you practice and treat patients under the supervision of a highly skilled orthodontist and boost your dentistry skills. You directly coordinate with the patients, diagnose the disease and work on your problem-solving ability by suggesting a possible treatment.
To become an orthodontic assistant, you must fulfil some requirements according to your country. You must have to complete a one-year dental assisting certificate. You can also accomplish a two-year associate’s degree program in orthodontics assisting.
Here are some steps involved in becoming an orthodontist assistant
– Complete the High school
– Find Suitable Orthodontist Assistant Institute
– Take Admission
– Attend the classes regularly
– Learn with dedication
– Get your Dental Assisting Certificate or diploma
Creating a professional and comfortable environment for the patient is one of the critical roles of an orthodontist assistant. If you want to become a good orthodontist assistant, you should have good communication skills to explain the procedure of the treatment and precautions described by the orthodontist.
Responsibilities of an Orthodontist Assistant
– Schedule appointments with the patients
– Helps the orthodontist in the treatment procedures
– Write and maintain a record of the patient’s history
– Perform X-Ray
– Provide guidelines to the patient
– Set and prepared equipment for the orthodontist
Final Verdict
Becoming an orthodontist is a long road that demands a high level of dedication and hard work. But no doubt, it is one of the most highly paid and dignified professions in medical science. You deal with the complexities of oral health, and if you are good at it, you can earn a name as a top-rated orthodontist.
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