What path do you take to become an orthodontist?

Really nice info from Erinn on your question. Just wanted to offer a few more bits of info/resources. The following web link - see below - has some nice information on the career outlook for orthodontists. The outlook is generally quite positive with expected job growth as many current orthodontists are expected to retire in the next decade. Pretty much any occupation having to do with Healthcare is expected to grow in the future. You can also see where (which states) are expected to need the most new orthdontists in the near future. Also - while undergraduate degrees in Chemistry or Biology are an excellent way to start your college education , most dental schools don't "require" that your undergraduate degree be in Chemistry or Biology. However - Erinn is right, those degrees will increase your chances of getting admitted to dental school and will better prepare you for the rigors if dental school. Other popular degrees for a future in dental school include anatomy &physiology and physics. A few colleges have "pre-dental degree programs" including the Univ. of Maryland, and Baylor Univ. - (since I see you're in TX!). Best of luck!