How long does training take to become an orthodontist?
Orthodontic training typically takes 11 years in total:
* 4 years of undergraduate study
* 4 years of dental school
* 2-3 years of orthodontic residency
Requirements to Become an Orthodontist
In the United States, those who wish to become orthodontists must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Although no specific major is required, many pre-dental students major in biology, chemistry, or physics.
- Attend an accredited dental school and earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
- Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), which is a series of exams that test knowledge of basic sciences and clinical dentistry.
- Complete an accredited orthodontic residency program. Orthodontic residency programs typically last for two to three years and provide specialized training in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
- Pass the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification exam. The ABO certification exam is a rigorous exam that tests knowledge of orthodontics, clinical skills, and ethics. Once an individual passes the ABO exam, they are considered a board-certified orthodontist.