Orthodontist

By Emma Ruhl
Main Duties

Orthodontics, a specialty within the dental profession, involves straightening

teeth and correcting bites.
As an orthodontist, you are responsible for locating problems with the
positioning of patients' teeth and with their oral development. You might use x-
rays or plaster molds of your patients' teeth to do this.
You will then use dental appliances, such as braces, retainers and space
maintainers, to correct these problems for the purpose of providing better
function, appearance and facial development.
You may also be in charge of supervising and instructing orthodontic technicians
and assistants in performing routine procedures.
Work Environment

Orthodontists work in well-lit

offices or clinics.
The average orthodontist works
approximately 30-40 hours per
week.
Working conditions are generally
pleasant with no expectation of
being on call or working nights as
some healthcare professionals do.
In Canada. The average salary for orthodontists
in Canada is $106,578, with the lowest income
of $38,776 and the highest salary of $287,303.
Variations occur around the country. The region
with the highest orthodontist salaries is
Saskatchewan, with a maximum salary of
$347,907

Salary
 High School
A student who knows she wants to be an orthodontist, or is even considering it as a career, should
begin preparing as early as possible. Taking science courses such as anatomy, biology and
chemistry will help to build a foundation for more advanced studies in college. Mathematics
classes are also beneficial, and students should advance as far as they can in this area.
College
Prospective orthodontists must normally complete a four-year undergraduate degree, typically a
bachelors of science, before moving on to dental school. While a degree is not required by all
dental schools, it is usually recommended and may give prospects an edge when applying for Education
Requirements
admission..
Dental School
Dental school takes four years to complete, and classes focus on oral health, dental practice
competency, and professional studies on ethics, legal considerations and different types of dental High school
practices. Clinical practice is also an important part of the curriculum.
College
Specialty Education
After completing dental school, a student who wishes to become an orthodontist must enter an Dental school
orthodontic specialty program. This training requires a minimum of two years to complete, and in
some cases may take longer. It takes the form of residency training, where the candidate works Specialty Education
under the direct supervision of qualified orthodontists. Students learn about how to teeth move,
how to recognize facial and jaw alignment, and how to apply corrective treatment. Observation
and practice are an important part of the training at this level.
Skill You Need To Be Successful

Orthodontists need to have very good manual

dexterity since they will be working in small,
confined spaces in the mouth.

Small details matter in orthodontics, so dentists in

this specialty need to be detailed oriented.

Additionally, orthodontists need to have good

judgment and strong problem-solving skills. Not all
treatments work on all patients.

Dentists need to figure out alternative treatments

when something does not work.

As with all areas of dentistry, good communication

skills are vital. Orthodontists teach patients how to
care for their teeth while they are wearing braces.

Since orthodontist often treat children and teens,

they should be comfortable caring for patients of all
ages.
Institutions

Camosun College
Certified dental assistant certificate. Dental hygiene diploma

UFV
Certified dental assistant certificate

VIU
Dental office receptionist certificate

UBC
Dental hygiene degree. Dental medicine, Doctor degree
 It typically takes about 10 years to become an
orthodontist. It takes 4 years to obtain a
bachelor's degree, another 4 years of dental
school, and then 2 more years in a post doctoral
program devoted to the study of orthodontics.

How Long Dose It Take To

Become A Orthodontist?
Employment Outlook

The job outlook for orthodontists.

You're joining a growing
profession if you choose to
become an orthodontist.
According to the BLS, employment
of orthodontists is expected to
grow by 21 percent between 2010
and 2020, which is an increase of
approximately 1,800 jobs in a ten-
year period.
In 1880 Norman W. Kingsley published his Treatise on Oral Deformities; for
this work he became known as the Father of Orthodontics Orthodontia
was officially recognized as the first specialty of dentistry with the founding
of the AAO in 1900.
In the early days of modern orthodontia, braces were always made of
metal, such as gold and later stainless steel, and fitting braces to a patient
was a time-consuming process. In the 1960s, it may have taken nearly a Changes to
whole day for an orthodontist to put braces on a persons teeth.
this Career
Technology has brought about major changes in the field. By the late 20th
century, orthodontists were using highly effective materials, such as NASA- Whats Different?
developed heat-activated nickel-titanium wires that are very lightweight
and flexible.
Braces now can be white, clear, or colored. In certain cases, orthodontists
sometimes even can place invisible braces,those that are attached to
the tongue side of the teeth. The process of putting braces on teeth does
not take nearly as long now, and patients need fewer follow-up visits for
adjusting their braces.
Would I be suited to this
job?

Or consider it as a career possibility?

Thank you for
listening

By Emma Ruhl