Are you wondering if it's easier to become a dentist or an orthodontist? The answer is that it depends on the amount of education and training you are willing to pursue. Orthodontists require more education than dentists, including graduating from a specialized program after dental school. After high school, you have four years of college and four years of dentistry, and two or three years of orthodontics. Acceptance into an orthodontic residency program is extremely competitive, with only 5% of the best dental school graduates being considered for admission.
Dentists must complete and pass the National Dental Exam to become licensed professionals. While you might see dentists advertising orthodontic treatments, only a dental professional who has received appropriate training can be called an orthodontist. So if you need dental treatment, should you call an orthodontist or dentist? If you have a toothache or suspect that you might have developed a cavity, see your general dentist for a diagnosis. For the past two years, dentists have been working with patients under the supervision of a licensed dental school.
A dentist can refer patients to their preferred orthodontist if it is determined that additional oral care is needed beyond the scope of general dentistry. As mentioned above, orthodontists and general dentists differ in education, knowledge, and experience. Dentists also improve the function and appearance of teeth by applying adhesives, veneers, or crowns to teeth that are broken, chipped, misshapen, or severely decayed. Dentists treat patients' general oral health, explains the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
They diagnose and treat a wide variety of oral health problems and diseases, such as cavities, cavities and gum diseases like gingivitis. The dentist can diagnose and treat dental pain, tooth decay, tooth repair, and tooth extraction. Dentists generally go to college for a predentistry or pre-medical degree before continuing to graduate school in dentistry. Although there are some similarities between orthodontists and dentists, there are a number of important differences that set them apart.
Certified dentists can diagnose and treat oral health conditions of the teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. The dentist will be able to evaluate your oral health and provide you with the hygiene care you need. In some states, dentists may provide some orthodontic treatments such as braces in addition to their general dental services. Through regular checkups, dentists can detect and treat cavities, mild gum disease and oral hygiene problems, and they can also remove teeth that can't be saved.
