Finding a Good Orthodontist

Finding a Good Orthodontist

Most surgical techniques for malocclusion (misalignment of jaws and teeth) and orofacial deformities are  modified procedures developed before World War II by oral plastic surgeons. The ratio of orofacial surgeries was greater in the European countries, where dental practitioners had developed voluminous literature to study this discipline.

Despite these plentiful theoretical studies, considerable attention seemed to still be needed regarding diagnosis and planning, to treatment and evaluation of the surgical procedures.  Only recently have such parameters been defined  to deal with orofacial surgeries since orthodontists are included as a significant part of the surgical teams.

Currently, naturally rotated jaws and teeth can be relapsed to their original position through an orthodontic treatment – something that had previously been impossible

Role of Orthodontist

Orthodontists have traditionally performed many roles that have only enhanced in scope over the past few decades. Some of these essentially include:

ü  Evaluation of malocclusion and dentofacial  morphology

ü  Carefully correlating cephalometric analysis, clinical findings, and dental casts evaluation

ü  Analyzing this correlation to reach an appropriate diagnosis for the basic treatment.

Steps to Becoming an Orthodontist

An orthodontist has all the know-hows of a regular dentist in addition to some extra qualifications. Predominantly, this objective collaboration between oral surgery and orthodontics helps orthodontist determine the extent of the surgery.

This approach considers all aspects including prognosis, diagnosis, indications, contraindications, and therapeutic modifiability in order to perform a successful cosmo-dental surgery.

 A specialized 3-year training is mandatory, along with prerequisite academics in the undergraduate program. In case you are looking to pursue your passion in this domain, here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1: Undergraduate Requirements

Before you pursue training as an orthodontist, it is essential that you complete your pre-dental academic requirements. In order to get admission in the dental program, you must have a 2-year Bachelor’s degree or at minimum, a 2-year Undergraduate education. In conjunction with that, your major pre-dental courses must be science subjects including:

ü  Chemistry

ü  Biology

ü  Physics

Step 2: Dental Admission Test (DAT)

You have to take a Dental Admission Test, administered annually by the American Dental Association (ADA). It is a combination of four tests and is designed with a set of specifications.

Step 3:  Dental School

Once you qualify for dental school, you enter a 4-year dental program to pursue your graduation.  Typically, you study all the science courses including anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and biochemistry during first two years.

The final two years comprise of gaining exposure to dental specialties, clinical experiences, orthodontics, and maxillofacial surgeries.

Step 4: Orthodontics as a Postgraduate Program

It is commonly known as Orthodontics Specialty Program that you are eligible for once your dental program is completed. It is a 3-year program aimed to help you gain additional dexterities in dento-facial orthopedics, and surgical orthodontics.

You are required to pursue and complete your research project as a part of your postgraduate degree.

Step 5: Board Certification (Voluntary)

Upon completing your specialized training program, you may appear in a clinical exam offered by the American Board of Orthodontics to demonstrate your acquired orthodontics skills and knowledge.

 Step 6: Get Your License

Legally practicing as a dental specialist requires you to apply for a practice license. The licensure requirements include a degree in orthodontics program from an accredited institution.

Conclusively, a bachelor’s degree, intensive training and certification over a couple of years make you eligible for the orthodontics postgraduate program. Additionally, your postgraduate program followed by a subsequent state exam will allow you to officially practice orthodontics and general dentistry.

Please visit our website at www.hillcrestdentistry.com for more information on our services at

Hillcrest Cosmetic and Family Dentistry or call (864) 963-1653 today for an appointment.