|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
What is an Orthodontic Specialist?
An orthodontist is a trained specialist in the diagnosis, prevention,
and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. To become a specialist
in orthodontics requires approximately eleven years of formal education
after graduation from high school.
Orthodontists spend four years at an undergraduate college, followed
by a four-year graduate program at a university dental school or other
institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of
the American Dental Association (ADA). At this point, the individual
is awarded either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental
Medicine (DMD) degree enabling him or her to practice general (family)
dentistry.
Typically, specialty training in orthodontics requires the completion
of a post doctoral program consisting of three more years in an advanced
education orthodontic residency program in addition to the four years
required to become a general (family) dentist. Through this extensive
training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage tooth
movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial
orthopedics).
All orthodontists are dentists, but according to the American Dental
Association, only about six percent of dentists complete this advanced
specialty education and may call themselves orthodontists.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
