2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
1. Obtain an undergraduate degree.
2. Pass the Dental Admission Test to be able to apply for dental school.
3. Complete dental school and residency.
4. Pass the National Board Dental Examination.
5. Obtain a license to practice orthodontics as a specialty, which may require a special state exam.
With no breaks in the educational process, one can expect to finish school and be an orthodontist at around age 28-30. In reality, the process of becoming an orthodontist is actually more difficult than you might expect. There are both academic and financial hurdles that while manageable, need to be considered. Orthodontics is a specialisation of general dentistry and requires three years of postgraduate study. The prerequisites are an AHPRA-registered general dental degree and a minimum of two years' clinical experience as a dentist. Undergraduate coursework for a prospective orthodontist typically includes classes in math and science—specifically, chemistry and biology. Because of this, many orthodontists obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in either of these two subject areas.
A practice-owning orthodontist can make $152,000 more than a general dentist practice owner. Let's say that the orthodontist is in a 40% marginal tax bracket (federal and state), so they take home an extra $91,200 per year. The extra cost of loan repayment is projected to be $418,000. In addition to completing a general dental degree just like your family dentist, an orthodontist goes on to complete an additional three year full time university degree in orthodontics.
2. Pass the Dental Admission Test to be able to apply for dental school.
3. Complete dental school and residency.
4. Pass the National Board Dental Examination.
5. Obtain a license to practice orthodontics as a specialty, which may require a special state exam.
With no breaks in the educational process, one can expect to finish school and be an orthodontist at around age 28-30. In reality, the process of becoming an orthodontist is actually more difficult than you might expect. There are both academic and financial hurdles that while manageable, need to be considered. Orthodontics is a specialisation of general dentistry and requires three years of postgraduate study. The prerequisites are an AHPRA-registered general dental degree and a minimum of two years' clinical experience as a dentist. Undergraduate coursework for a prospective orthodontist typically includes classes in math and science—specifically, chemistry and biology. Because of this, many orthodontists obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in either of these two subject areas.
A practice-owning orthodontist can make $152,000 more than a general dentist practice owner. Let's say that the orthodontist is in a 40% marginal tax bracket (federal and state), so they take home an extra $91,200 per year. The extra cost of loan repayment is projected to be $418,000. In addition to completing a general dental degree just like your family dentist, an orthodontist goes on to complete an additional three year full time university degree in orthodontics.
Updated
Hassan’s Answer
I don't know that you can get experience without going to Dental School . To get there https://work.chron.com/need-majors-want-orthodontist-9834.html recommends a Science based undergraduate degree.
So take as many Bio, Chem, Math classes in High School and get a good GPA. Hopefully, that will get you admitted into a good University. Then do the same to have a shot at Dental School which are pretty competitive.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-get-into-dental-school-and-become-a-dentist says 55% of applicants get in. That may seem like a 50/50 shot but https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist/applying-for-dental-school but I suspect the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) discourages a significant percentage of people from even applying.
So take as many Bio, Chem, Math classes in High School and get a good GPA. Hopefully, that will get you admitted into a good University. Then do the same to have a shot at Dental School which are pretty competitive.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/how-to-get-into-dental-school-and-become-a-dentist says 55% of applicants get in. That may seem like a 50/50 shot but https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist/applying-for-dental-school but I suspect the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) discourages a significant percentage of people from even applying.
Thank you so much Mr. Hassan!
Allen