What do you have to do to become an orthodontist?

Answer 1

All 50 States and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license in most States, candidates must graduate from 1 of the 56 dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association's (ADA's) Commission on Dental Accreditation in 2004, and then must pass written and practical examinations. Candidates may fulfill the written part of the State licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Individual States or regional testing agencies administer the written or practical examinations.

Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of college-level predental education, regardless of the major chosen. However, most dental students have at least a bachelor's degree. Predental education emphasizes coursework in science, and many applicants to dental school major in a science such as Biology or chemistry, while other applicants major in another subject and take many science courses as well. A few applicants are accepted to dental school after 2 or 3 years of college and complete their bachelor's degree while attending dental school.

All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). When selecting students, schools consider scores earned on the DAT, applicants' grade point averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews. Competition for admission to dental school is keen.

Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, also are provided at this time. During the last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists. Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The rest award an equivalent degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Some dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for 1 to 2 years to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one immediately after graduation.

In 2004, 17 States licensed or certified dentists who intended to practice in a specialty area. Requirements include 2 to 4 years of postgraduate education and, in some cases, the completion of a special State examination. Most State licenses permit dentists to engage in both general and specialized practice. Dentists who want to teach or conduct research usually spend an additional 2 to 5 years in advanced dental training, in programs operated by dental schools or hospitals. According to the ADA, each year about 12 percent of new graduates enroll in postgraduate training programs to prepare for a dental specialty.

Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists should have good visual memory, excellent judgment regarding space and shape, a high degree of manual dexterity, and scientific ability. Good business sense, self-discipline, and good communication skills are helpful for success in private practice. High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics.

Refer to:

http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/Dentists.shtml#tra

Answer 2

An orthodontist must first attend college, then dental school acquiring a DDS or DMD degree (depending on the university attended). In order to practice dentistry legally, the doctor is then required to complete a state board exam upon which a license is awarded.

Next, participation in a 2-3 year orthodontic residency program is required where a certification in the specialty of orthodontics is received. During the residency, a Masters degree may or may not be required for graduation (some residency programs provide a certification without a Masters degree in Dentistry).

Answer 3

well i have braces and all u have too do is brush your teeth,floss,gargle,and this part hurts u go to the doctors and let them deal with your teeth well it depends what kind of braces u get.all i did was pray it didn't hurt that much when i prayed

Answer 4

It requires undergraduate program that must spend two to four years. Then, Spend classes for four years in Dental school. After you completed the Dental school, you must attend postgraduate orthodontics program that last two to three years.

You can find the detailed steps on becoming orthodontist on this article: Pursuing a Career as an Orthodontist - BEACH BRACES ORTHODONTICS

Answer 5

High School

4yrs Of College

4yrs Of Dental School

2 to 3 yrs of Advance Dental School Training

Answer 6

To become an orthodontist, you have to go to Dental School or pursue a degree in dentistry.