How long does it take to become an orthodontist?
It takes approximately 10-12 years of education and training to become an orthodontist in the United States. The traditional educational pathway to becoming an orthodontist includes the following steps:
1. Bachelor's Degree (4 years):
- Start by earning a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. This undergraduate education provides a strong foundation in the basic sciences and prerequisites required for dental school.
2. Dental School (4 years):
- After completing your bachelor's degree, you need to attend dental school. Dental school is a four-year program that covers various aspects of dentistry, including patient care, oral health sciences, and clinical rotations.
3. National Dental Board Exams:
- During or after dental school, you must pass the National Dental Board Exams (NBDE) Parts I and II. These exams assess your knowledge and skills in basic and clinical sciences.
4. Dental Residency (2-3 years):
- Following dental school, you must complete a two to three-year residency in orthodontics. An orthodontic residency program provides specialized training in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malocclusions (improper bites) through the use of braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.
5. Orthodontic Board Exams:
- After completing your residency, you are eligible to take the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) exams. The ABO exams assess your knowledge and skills in orthodontics and determine your board certification as an orthodontist.
6. Licensure:
- Each state has its own licensure requirements for orthodontists. You will need to apply for and obtain a license to practice orthodontics in the state where you intend to practice.
In summary, it typically takes a minimum of 10 years to become an orthodontist, including four years of undergraduate education, four years of dental school, two to three years of orthodontic residency, and the time needed to pass board exams and obtain state licensure. Some individuals may choose to pursue additional training or education beyond this basic pathway, which could extend the timeline accordingly.