Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on...
Specialty Overview
Scope & Practice
Orthodontists diagnose and treat malocclusions...
Common Procedures:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear aligners (Invisalign, etc.)
- Lingual braces
- Self-ligating brackets
- Palatal expanders
- Temporary anchorage devices
- Dentofacial orthopedics
- Surgical orthodontics coordination
Professional Roles
Orthodontics specialists can pursue various career paths within the specialty, often combining multiple roles:
- Private Practice: Solo or group practice ownership
- Academic: Teaching and research positions
- Corporate: DSO-affiliated orthodontist
Clinical Settings
Orthodontics specialists practice in diverse environments:
- Dedicated orthodontic offices
- Multi-specialty dental practices
- Academic institutions
- Hospital craniofacial teams
Specialty Outlook
The orthodontics profession continues to evolve with technological advances and shifting demographics:
- Growing market for adult orthodontics
- Expansion of digital treatment planning
- Increasing integration with sleep medicine
Digital Innovation
Orthodontics is increasingly driven by cutting-edge digital technologies transforming patient care:
- 3D scanning and digital impressions
- Advanced 3D printing for custom appliances
- Artificial intelligence for treatment planning
Patient Experience
Modern orthodontics emphasizes patient comfort and convenience through various approaches:
- Accelerated treatment options
- Personalized care with customized treatment plans
- Teleorthodontics for remote consultations
Student Journey Roadmap
Pre-Dental Preparation
Dental School Years 1-2
Geographic Program Map
Competitiveness Level
Application Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
- Degree Required: DDS or DMD degree from CODA-accredited dental school
- Minimum GPA: 3.3
- Average Accepted GPA: 3.7+
- Core Courses: Core dental science courses excellence
- Research Experience: Research experience recommended
Standardized Tests
- NBDE: NBDE Part I/II or INBDE (pass required)
- GRE Required: ~60% of programs
- GRE Verbal: 155+
- GRE Quantitative: 158+
- TOEFL/IELTS: TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants
Letters of Recommendation
- Number Required: 3-4
- Types:
- • Dental school dean or program director
- • Orthodontic faculty member
- • Research mentor (if applicable)
- Emphasis: Strong clinical and research potential emphasized
Research Experience
- Research projects during dental school
- Publication experience preferred
- Understanding of research methodology
- Experience with orthodontic-related research significantly strengthens application
Clinical Experience
- Orthodontic externships/rotations
- Shadowing orthodontists (minimum 40-50 hours)
- Participation in orthodontic study clubs
- Demonstrated manual dexterity skills
Application Components
- ADEA PASS application (typically opens June)
- Program-specific supplemental applications
- Application fees ($70-150 per program)
- Personal statement
- CV/resume highlighting research and orthodontic experience
- Official transcripts
- Professional photo (typically required)
Competitive Profile
- Target GPA: 3.7+
- Target GRE Verbal: 155+
- Target GRE Quantitative: 158+
- Research Publications: 1-2 publications preferred
- Shadowing Hours: 40-50 hours minimum
- Extracurriculars: Leadership in dental organizations
Application Deadlines & Timeline
PASS Application Opens
ADEA PASS typically opens for the new application cycle in early May.
Request Recommendation Letters
Contact faculty mentors to request strong letters of recommendation.
Take GRE (if required)
Schedule and prepare for the GRE if required by your programs.
Submit PASS Application
Complete and submit your PASS application, including personal statement, transcripts, and test scores.
Set Reminders
Get notified about upcoming deadlines
Download Timeline
Save this timeline to your calendar
Competitiveness Overview
Understanding the competitive landscape for this specialty
Applicant to Seat Ratio
7:1
Average GPA
3.7+
Program Duration
3-4
Average Tuition
$70K+
Starting Salary
$220K
Tips for Success
- Academic Excellence: Maintain a GPA of 3.7+ and strong DAT scores
- Research Experience: Get involved in research projects and aim for publications
- Clinical Exposure: Shadow specialists and gain hands-on experience
- Leadership: Take on leadership roles in dental organizations
- Strong Letters: Build relationships with faculty for excellent recommendations
Curriculum & Training
Program Structure
Duration
2-3 years
Weekly Schedule
3-4 days clinical practice, 1-2 days didactic education and research
Research Requirements
Most programs require completion of a research project and thesis/capstone
Degrees Awarded
- Certificate
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD)
- Doctor of Science in Dentistry (DScD)
Clinical Training
- Patient diagnosis and treatment planning
- Fixed appliance therapy (various bracket systems)
- Clear aligner therapy
- Functional appliances
- Temporary anchorage devices (TADs)
- Retention protocols
- Orthognathic surgery coordination
- Interdisciplinary treatment
Didactic Education
- Craniofacial growth and development
- Biomechanics and materials science
- Cephalometric analysis
- 3D imaging and digital orthodontics
- Orthodontic literature review
- Diagnosis and treatment planning seminars
- Practice management
- Interdisciplinary seminars
Research Activities
- Master's thesis research project
- Publication opportunities
- Research methodology training
- Statistical analysis
- Literature review and critical analysis
Financial Information
Total Program Cost
Programs with Stipends
Living Expenses
Starting Salary
Culture & Lifestyle
Work-Life Balance
Most orthodontists work 4-4.5 days per week on a predictable schedule with minimal emergency calls
Career Satisfaction
Orthodontists report high fulfillment due to positive patient interactions and visible treatment outcomes
Practice Environment
Orthodontic practices are typically positive, team-oriented environments focused on patient experience
Physical Demands
Moderate physical demands with good ergonomics
Day-in-the-Life
Morning Huddle
Review the day's schedule with the team, discuss any special cases or concerns
Morning Clinical Session
See 15-20 adjustment patients (10-15 minutes each), perform 1-2 new patient consultations
Treatment Planning & Administration
Review diagnostic records, develop treatment plans for new patients
Lunch Break
Team lunch or personal time, occasionally used for professional meetings
Afternoon Clinical Session
See 15-20 more adjustment patients, perform 1-2 debonding/retention appointments
End-of-Day Tasks
Review progress notes, finalize treatment plans, complete paperwork
Career Perspective
First-Year Resident Perspective
The first year is intense with didactic coursework while learning clinical basics
My typical day includes morning lectures, afternoon clinic, and evenings in the sim lab practicing wire bending or studying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is orthodontics compared to other specialties?
Orthodontics is one of the most competitive dental specialties, with an applicant-to-seat ratio of approximately 7:1.
What is the typical salary for an orthodontist?
Starting salaries for orthodontists typically range from $180,000 to $250,000, with significant earning potential in private practice.
How long is orthodontic residency?
Most orthodontic residency programs are 2-3 years in duration, with some combined programs extending to 4-5 years.