Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry. A career in this field offers the chance to make a significant impact on patients’ lives – improving their smiles and overall oral health.
A list of key duties
An Orthodontists role
Orthodontists have a variety of daily tasks at the practice.
- Diagnoses dental and facial irregularities: Identifies misalignments of teeth and jaws.
- Designs and implements treatment plans: Creates personalised plans to correct alignment issues.
- Fits and adjusts braces: Applies traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and other orthodontic appliances.
- Installs clear aligners: Prescribes and fits clear aligners like Invisalign for teeth straightening.
- Monitors progress: Regularly checks and adjusts braces or aligners during treatment.
- Treats bite issues: Addresses problems such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite.
- Uses retainers: Provides retainers after treatment to maintain teeth positions.
- Corrects jaw alignment: Offers surgical or non-surgical solutions for severe jaw misalignments.
- Works with dental team: Collaborates with general dentists, oral surgeons, and other specialists.
- Educates patients: Guides patients on how to care for braces, aligners, and their teeth during treatment.
Secondary School decisions
Is it the career for me?
Becoming an Orthodontist requires a strong educational foundation, good communication skills, and a dedication to learning. For those interested in a rewarding, challenging, and ever-evolving field, Orthodontics offers a fulfilling career path.
School subjects you will need to be studying are:
- Biology: Vital is the understanding the human body – Dental heath and disease processes, and responses to treatments.
- Chemistry: Providing a strong foundation of chemical processes used in oral health and medication effects.
- Mathematics: Calculations, measurements, and proportions.
- Physics: Understanding dental materials and techniques.
- English: Excellent communication skills are key for relating to patients and colleagues.
Higher Education Pathway
The stages to becoming a Qualified Orthodontist
1
Good A levels
Potentially ABB or higher is required – in the above subjects – to secure a University place to study dentistry.
2
Dentist degree
It generally takes five years to obtain a degree in Dentistry. After qualifying, gaining extensive experience is essential.
3
Training place
Finally, securing a place on an Orthodontic training scheme, for a further three years in academic and clinical training.
Potential University Courses in Dentistry
Potential University courses in Orthodontics
For a more comprehensive list visit the UCAS website
Options once you are a qualified Orthodontist
- Work as a specialist in an orthodontic practice, possibly leading to running your own business.
- Train for a further 2 years in a hospital to gain the Fellowship in Orthodontics (FDS Orth) and become a hospital orthodontic consultant, or even specialises in treating patients with clefts of the lip and/or palate.
- Train for a further 4 years in a hospital / university. During this time, study for a PhD degree in order to work in the university.
- Work as a specialist in the Community Dental Service. All dentists or orthodontists need to keep up to date by studying and attending courses for as long as they are working.
- Orthodontic Nurse: Assists the Orthodontist by preparing for Orthodontic procedures, taking X-rays & Scans, processing instruments, educating Patients about Oral Hygiene and Dietary requirements.
- Dental Hygienist: Plays a vital role in oral health, focusing on preventing dental problems through cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth, providing oral hygiene education, and applying preventative treatments like sealants and fluoride.
- Treatment Coordinator: Acts as the primary point of contact ensuring Patients have a smooth treatment journey. They explain the different treatment options and financial arrangements available and organise the scheduling of Patient appointments.
- Reception/Administrators: Schedule patient appointments, manage referrals, correspondence and queries.
Orthodontic Therapist: Works under the direction of an Orthodontist, performing routine orthodontic treatments like fitting braces, replacing brackets and changing arch wires.
