What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective. An orthodontist must complete college requirements before stating a three to five year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least two or three academic years of advanced specialty education in an ADA accredited orthodontic program are required to be an orthodontist.
An orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has completed two to three years of training after graduating from dental school. Orthodontists are Dentists first, who then go on to become specialists in their field. An orthodontist not only straightens teeth but also enhances and influences the bite, facial profile, and oral growth. An orthodontist usually stops practicing general dentistry and limits his practice exclusively to orthodontics. This allows one to concentrate all efforts and procedures in the office toward a single goal.
