What is the salary of an orthodontist in Canada?

Answer 1

Orthodontists' bills are paid directly by patients or by their insurance companies. An orthodontist with an established practice can generate a great deal of money, but half or more of that money could go to pay for equipment, staff salaries, insurance, and other overhead costs.

Orthodontists who own their own practices must also pay for their own health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits.

Even after these costs are taken into account, however, orthodontists have very good earnings. While precise figures are not available for Canadian orthodontists, most earn between $100,000 and $400,000 a year. However, remember that it takes many years of study and practice to make it to this level of income.

LEVEL 1 Entry-Level General Dentist EARNINGS $50,000 to $100,000 a year REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor of Science degree
• Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, which takes 4 years RESPONSIBILITIES Doing routine check-ups on patients; educating patients about proper dental hygiene; filling cavities and performing other basic dental procedures. LEVEL 2 Entry-Level Orthodontist EARNINGS $100,000 to $150,000 a year REQUIREMENTS • Master of Science degree in orthodontics, which takes 2 to 3 years
• Licensed to practice as an orthodontist RESPONSIBILITIESExamining patients; analyzing facial photographs; deciding upon the best treatment; fitting braces, retainers, and other devices; LEVEL 3 Established Orthodontist EARNINGS $150,000 to $400,000 a year REQUIREMENTS • 5 to 10 years in practice
• A good reputation within the dental community because referrals from family dentists are important RESPONSIBILITIESExamining patients; analyzing x-rays and facial photographs; deciding upon the best treatment; fitting braces, retainers, and other devices; supervising junior orthodontists; supervising staff; possibly teaching orthodontic students at university.