All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 10% of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists complete an additional two or three years of training in a competitive orthodontic residency program. This extra time is used to learn about the diagnosis and treatment of dental and skeletal malocclusions. To become a dentist, a person must complete four years of college education and four years of dental school, according to the American Dental Association.
Dentists treat a wide variety of oral health problems and diseases, such as cavities, cavities and gum diseases, such as gingivitis. To become an orthodontist, a dentist must complete at least two additional years of courses specific to the field of orthodontics. In some states, dentists may provide some orthodontic treatments, such as braces, in addition to their general dental services. When a dentist encounters a patient he can't help, he'll immediately refer them to an orthodontist.
Orthodontists and dentists receive the same training initially, but orthodontists complete their training after graduating from dental school. It is at this stage that a dentist who wants to become an orthodontic specialist must apply and be accepted into an orthodontic residency. Dentists and orthodontists both have their own unique roles in helping patients achieve a healthier smile. Dentists focus on providing hygiene care and treating oral health problems like cavities and gum disease.
Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws, while dentists can help patients achieve a cleaner, healthier smile through cleanings, x-rays, and even surgery. So if you're wondering whether you can be both a dentist and an orthodontist, the answer is no. To become an orthodontist, you must first become a dentist and then complete additional training in the field of orthodontics. This extra training is necessary to learn about the diagnosis and treatment of dental and skeletal malocclusions.
At Masterpiece Smiles we hope to have helped clarify the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist. To help you decide between a dentist and an orthodontist and determine which one is right for you, we've highlighted the main aspects of each of them and explained the difference between dentists and orthodontists.
