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What do I need to do to become an orthodontist or dentist?
I am 14 and in the 9th grade. I have decided to choose being an orthodontist to be my career. I want to know what steps do I have to take to become one? #dentistry #college #college-major #dentist
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Stephanie Chervin
Academic Advisor and Pre-med Advisor at the University of Michigan
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Stephanie’s Answer
Hi Allen,
You will find this website from the American Dental Education Association "Dentistry 101" a helpful guide: https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Dentistry_101.aspx
You might reach out to your current dentist or orthodontist and ask to talk with them: what is their typical day like? what are the challenges they face? What do they like most about their role in health care? This kind of informational interviewing can help you get a clearer picture of the profession. Also, don't worry about knowing what specialty in health care you will pursue right now, focus on getting a solid academic background in the life sciences and the behavioral sciences while in high school. As you look at colleges pay attention to those that have a track record of preparing students for health-related graduate programs. As you work your way through college and then dental school, you can narrow your focus to a specialty if you desire.
You will find this website from the American Dental Education Association "Dentistry 101" a helpful guide: https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Dentistry_101.aspx
You might reach out to your current dentist or orthodontist and ask to talk with them: what is their typical day like? what are the challenges they face? What do they like most about their role in health care? This kind of informational interviewing can help you get a clearer picture of the profession. Also, don't worry about knowing what specialty in health care you will pursue right now, focus on getting a solid academic background in the life sciences and the behavioral sciences while in high school. As you look at colleges pay attention to those that have a track record of preparing students for health-related graduate programs. As you work your way through college and then dental school, you can narrow your focus to a specialty if you desire.
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RAVI’s Answer
Glad to you hear that you have decided on your career. That is the first step and an important one.
You will need an undergrad degree to become a dentist and then specialize in Orthodontics.
Like most High school students aspiring to go into professional career like yourself, you need first do well in high school.
Here are some key steps that I know based on my daughters progression.
1. Do well and maintain good GPA.
2. take advanced courses (AP or IB or Honors) in Science and Math.
3. Do well in ACT or SAT whichever you prefer.
4. Get into a college of your choice, with a major in some science field preferably. Do well in college.
5. You would need to apply to Dentistry colleges. Your undergrad college itself might offer dentistry program.
6. Get into Dentistry and off you go.
You may also want to talk to your dentist for further advise on detailed steps as you progress. You still have a long time to learn more details.
I know this all looks pretty simple. But you can do it. You have already taken the first step. Do not stress yourself out early.
Work hard. You will succeed.
You will need an undergrad degree to become a dentist and then specialize in Orthodontics.
Like most High school students aspiring to go into professional career like yourself, you need first do well in high school.
Here are some key steps that I know based on my daughters progression.
1. Do well and maintain good GPA.
2. take advanced courses (AP or IB or Honors) in Science and Math.
3. Do well in ACT or SAT whichever you prefer.
4. Get into a college of your choice, with a major in some science field preferably. Do well in college.
5. You would need to apply to Dentistry colleges. Your undergrad college itself might offer dentistry program.
6. Get into Dentistry and off you go.
You may also want to talk to your dentist for further advise on detailed steps as you progress. You still have a long time to learn more details.
I know this all looks pretty simple. But you can do it. You have already taken the first step. Do not stress yourself out early.
Work hard. You will succeed.
Thank you so much Mr. Reddy!
Allen