When you’re wondering how long does it take to become an orthodontist, the first question you may have is, What exactly does an orthodontist do? Orthodontists are doctors of dental medicine who specialize in the study and treatment of abnormalities of the teeth and mouth. One of their main jobs is to fix crooked teeth with braces, but they also treat jaw misalignment and other oral issues that can negatively affect your appearance and overall health. Becoming an orthodontist will take several years of school, so you should start thinking about this career path as early as possible.

 

The amount of time required depends on your situation

If you’re new to a career in orthodontics, you can expect to spend more than two years in school for a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. On top of that, it will take another two years or so for you complete specialty training as an orthodontist. For example, if your interest is in treating children with teeth by number, you’ll need at least 10 more months of postgraduate work before taking your certification exam—an all-in total of six years.

If you want to specialize in one area like cosmetic dentistry or implants and crowns, prepare for another three-year commitment on top of everything else. There are other factors that come into play too: What kind of hours do you want to work? Do you want to open your own practice or join someone else’s team? Are there any family considerations? All things considered, becoming an orthodontist takes time—but it’s worth every minute!

 

4 Years if You’re in College Now

If you’re in college and thinking about orthodontics, think about how long it will take to finish your degree, plus four years of dental school. Total: six years. If you’re not in college yet but want to go into orthodontics, consider that most dental schools require a bachelor’s degree and begin accepting applications during your senior year of high school. Four years later (or longer), when you graduate from dental school, add another two or three years of specialized training to specialize in orthodontics. Then add all that up—six plus four plus two or three—and you have a 10-year time span before you can start work as an orthodontist.

 

3 Years if You’re Entering a Specialty Program

The typical orthodontics curriculum includes three years of dental school (followed by 2-3 years of specialty training) but you can enter into a specialty program that will get you qualified in less time. If you’re seeking board certification, you’ll have to attend at least two additional years of specialized dental school and pass a qualifying exam before obtaining your certificate. During your time in dental school, be sure to focus on everything from biomechanics and bonding agents to preventive dentistry and communication skills. For more information on how long it takes to become an orthodontist, check out: How long does it take to become an orthodontist (link opens in new window)?

 

2 Years if you have Undergrad/Grad Degrees Already

Getting a doctorate in orthodontics is just like getting any other doctorate (e.g., Ph.D.). You’ll take classes, write a dissertation, and pass your qualifying exams before you’re on your way to becoming a bona fide dentist-doctor. And because there are usually prerequisites for entering doctoral programs, you’ll have already taken many of those classes in undergrad and graduate school. All told, it will probably take about four years of schooling (three or four years as an undergraduate plus another three or four years as a graduate student) before you can apply for entry-level jobs at dentists’ offices—and around two more years until you’re done with your residency.

 

Are you really sure you want to be an orthodontist?

Being an orthodontist is a great career choice, but it also means entering a very competitive field with stiff competition. According to statistics from The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are over 6,000 practicing orthodontists in America. So how long does it take to become one? And what will your expenses be along the way? This guide can help you get a better idea of what you’re getting into.

 

All joking aside, what kind of time commitment are you willing to make?

As with most things in life, success comes at a price. If you are looking to become an orthodontist, it’s safe to say that you will have a long road ahead of you. The good news is that your efforts will definitely pay off once your degree has been awarded and your new career is in full swing! Keep reading for more specifics on how long it takes to become an orthodontist…