Most orthodontists, 34% to be exact, specialize in advanced dentistry and oral sciences. Some other common specializations for an orthodontist include specializations in dentistry and dental care. To find out what orthodontist degree you should pursue, we explain several undergraduate degrees, provide you with information about applications for dental schools and the career prospects as an orthodontist. The best specialties for dental school are biology and chemistry.However, alternative specialties include mathematics, engineering, and art history.
Before you can be admitted to a dental program and train as an orthodontist, you must complete the pre-dental requirements as a university student. Most dental programs prefer to admit students with a bachelor's degree, although some accept students with a minimum of two years of college education. Required pre-dental courses generally include courses in chemistry, biology, physics, and other sciences. You can choose to specialize in any subject, but since science courses are required anyway, many pre-dentistry students choose to specialize in a science, such as biology or chemistry. When you apply to dental school, you will be required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Recommended college courses are similar to those suggested in high school. A typical degree for someone entering this field is a bachelor's degree in biology.Required courses generally involve taking classes in mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Science courses include biology, anatomy, physiology, anthropology, zoology, botany, and microbiology. To prevent back injuries that can affect orthodontists when they lean over patients all day, it's important that orthodontists take the time needed to stretch during the day and exercise regularly. In order to become an orthodontist, you must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree program in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or mathematics.
After completing your undergraduate degree program, you must then apply to a dental school and complete four years of dental school training. After graduating from dental school with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, you must then complete two or three years of residency training in an accredited orthodontic program. Once you have completed your residency training program and passed the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) examination, you will be eligible to practice as an orthodontist. Becoming an orthodontist requires dedication and hard work but can be very rewarding. With the right education and training, you can become an expert in this field and help people achieve beautiful smiles.
