Profession · Full profile

Orthodontist

Diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities to align teeth and jaws.

Average salary

$250,000

Salary range

$150,000 – $400,000

Training time

Typically two to three years of specialty residency after dental school

Job market

As fast as average

6/10

Work-life balance

Generally predictable, with practice-dependent demands

Orthodontists are licensed dentists with specialty residency training focused on tooth and jaw alignment. They examine dental structures, interpret diagnostic images, and create tailored treatment plans for children, teens, and adults. In clinical practice, orthodontists fit braces, adjust appliances, track treatment progress, and provide instructions on oral appliances. They coordinate patient care with general dentists and other dental professionals while handling administrative tasks and patient consultations within private offices, group practices, clinics, or dental schools.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A routine clinical schedule focused on patient adjustments, diagnostic examinations, and appliance consultations.

8:00 AM
Morning team briefing
Review the day's scheduled appointments and coordinate chairside coverage with dental assistants at 8 a.m.
8:30 AM
New patient examinations
Examine facial balance, evaluate bite alignment, and review medical histories for newly registered patients.
10:30 AM
Appliance adjustments
Check movement progress, replace archwires, and fit elastics for scheduled clinic patients.
12:30 PM
Lunch break
Take a midday break before afternoon patient visits resume.
1:30 PM
Diagnostic image review
Analyze diagnostic images and digital treatment simulations to map out upcoming bracket positions.
3:00 PM
Appliance placements and retainers
Bond orthodontic brackets, deliver retainers, and explain wear guidelines to patients.
4:30 PM
Clinical charting and coordination
Finalize electronic patient records and send progress notes to referring general dentists.

Task breakdown

A full-day schedule incorporating afternoon appointments, treatment consultations, and practice management.

9:00 AM
Treatment setup and file review
Examine incoming records and digital models for complex cases starting at 9 a.m.
9:30 AM
Initial appliance bonding
Perform precise bonding of orthodontic appliances for patients starting active treatment.
12:00 PM
Family treatment conferences
Meet with parents and adult patients to discuss projected timelines and clinical options.
1:00 PM
Lunch break
Pause for a midday meal and personal break.
2:00 PM
Routine progress evaluations
Monitor tooth alignment, tighten hardware, and modify treatment plans where required.
4:30 PM
Late afternoon patient checks
Conduct emergency repairs, bracket replacements, and retainers checks during extended hours.
6:00 PM
Practice management duties
Oversee operational records, supply orders, and digital appliance orders before closing at 6:30 p.m.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$150,000

Average

$250,000

Maximum

$400,000

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$150,000	$250,000	$400,000
California	—	$270,000	—
Texas	—	$245,000	—
Florida	—	$240,000	—
New York	—	$265,000	—
Illinois	—	$250,000	—

Salary by sector

Sector	Min	Avg.	Max
Private orthodontic practice	—	$260,000	—
Dental group practice	—	$240,000	—
Academic and hospital settings	—	$190,000	—

Typical benefits

Health insurance

Medical coverage options provided by dental group practices, clinics, or academic employers.

Retirement plans

Employer-supported retirement accounts to build savings throughout a dental career.

Paid time off

Dedicated paid leave covering vacation, federal holidays, and sick days.

Continuing education support

Financial assistance and time allowances for attending specialty orthodontic courses and conferences.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Bachelor's degree

Typically four years

Bachelor's degree with pre-dental coursework

Undergraduate students complete prerequisite science courses while earning a bachelor's degree to prepare for dental school admissions.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; dental schools typically require college coursework in sciences and other subjects.
High school subjects: Biology, chemistry, physics, and science prerequisites

Doctoral degree

Usually four years

Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine

Dental school includes classroom learning, laboratory work, and supervised clinical training, culminating in a DDS or DMD degree.

Costs: About $11,950 a year in average published tuition and fees at a public four-year college for in-state students, and $45,000 at a private nonprofit four-year college
Entry requirements: Admission to an accredited dental school, including required undergraduate coursework and any required admissions testing.
High school subjects: Classroom instruction, dental anatomy, laboratory training, and clinical practice

Certificate

Typically two to three years

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics residency

Specialty residency training focuses on tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics, and complex appliance management, resulting in a certificate or master's degree.

Entry requirements: A DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school and acceptance into an orthodontic residency program.
High school subjects: Diagnosis, treatment planning, and movement of teeth and jaws

License

Varies by state

State dental license and orthodontic specialty credentials

Orthodontists must be licensed dentists and meet state-specific regulations for dental specialty recognition.

Entry requirements: Meet the licensing requirements of the state where you plan to practice, including education, examinations, and any state-specific requirements.
High school subjects: State dental regulations, specialty recognition, and clinical examinations

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planningEvaluating malocclusions and creating detailed roadmaps for tooth and jaw realignment.
Dental imaging interpretationAnalyzing diagnostic radiographs and facial photographs to identify developmental and structural needs.
Braces and aligner treatmentPlacing, adjusting, and maintaining fixed braces, clear aligners, and auxiliary orthodontic appliances.
Dental anatomy and occlusionApplying comprehensive knowledge of tooth structures, bone morphology, and bite dynamics.
Use of digital dental records and planning toolsOperating specialized software to simulate dental adjustments and maintain digital patient histories.
Infection prevention and patient safetyMaintaining strict clinical sterilization protocols to safeguard patients and staff.

Soft skills

CommunicationExplaining complex treatment stages, appliance instructions, and anticipated outcomes clearly.
Attention to detailSpotting minute millimeter adjustments needed for ideal tooth alignment and facial balance.
EmpathySupporting patients experiencing discomfort or self-consciousness during orthodontic care.
Decision-makingSelecting the most effective appliances and intervention timings based on clinical evaluations.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
Detail-orientedFocuses on millimeter-level precision during appliance adjustments and diagnostic analysis.
✓
PatientMaintains a calm demeanor while guiding patients through multi-year realignment processes.
✓
AnalyticalAssesses growth patterns and diagnostic images methodically to solve complex bite issues.
✓
PersonableBuilds trust and comfort with young children, teenagers, and adult patients during appointments.
✓
MethodicalFollows rigorous clinical protocols when placing appliances and adjusting mechanical forces.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Trend

Growth

Regional demand

California

Demand is supported by patient needs across private practices and dental groups.

Texas

Opportunities exist in metropolitan dental clinics, group practices, and private offices.

Florida

Growing patient bases in community practices sustain steady clinical opportunities.

New York

Hiring opportunities span private practices, dental groups, and academic clinics.

Illinois

Clinical opportunities are available in private orthodontic practices, clinics, and dental schools.

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Dental school student
Complete classroom coursework, laboratory exercises, and supervised clinical practice while pursuing a dental degree.
General dentist
After dental school and licensure
Earn dental licensure and practice general dentistry or transition straight into specialized postgraduate orthodontic education.
Orthodontic resident
After earning a dental degree
Complete specialized clinical training in tooth movement, jaw alignment, and dentofacial orthopedics.
Orthodontist and practice owner
After specialty residency and relevant practice experience
Manage clinical orthodontic cases independently while overseeing business and administrative operations of a private practice.

Horizontal move

Dental school faculty member
Teach dental students and orthodontic residents in university or academic hospital environments.
View Professor
Dental practice manager
Direct operational, financial, and administrative processes across single or multi-office dental settings.
View General Manager

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Often full time, with schedules set by the practice. Some orthodontists work part time or across multiple offices.
Remote work: Most patient care is in person. Administrative work and some follow-up consultations may be handled remotely when appropriate.
Physical requirements: Requires prolonged standing or sitting, close visual work, and precise hand movements while treating patients.
Typical employers: Private orthodontic practices, dental group practices, hospitals and clinics, and dental schools and universities.
Professional associations: American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does an orthodontist do?

An orthodontist examines teeth, jaws, and facial structures to diagnose and treat alignment issues. They review medical histories, examine diagnostic images, and develop customized treatment plans. In addition to planning care, orthodontists fit and adjust braces, aligners, and retainers. They track progress over time, advise patients on appliance maintenance, and work alongside general dentists to support complete dental health.

How does someone become an orthodontist?

Becoming an orthodontist requires completing college coursework, graduating from dental school, and finishing a specialized orthodontic residency. Candidates earn a bachelor's degree before spending four years in dental school to attain a DDS or DMD. Following dental graduation, they complete two to three years of specialty residency covering dentofacial orthopedics and tooth movement. Finally, candidates must obtain a state dental license and fulfill any state specialty requirements.

How long is orthodontic specialty training?

Orthodontic residency training typically lasts two to three years after earning a dental degree. During this postgraduate program, residents focus on the mechanics of moving teeth, jaw alignment, and diagnostic planning. Training includes both direct patient care and advanced academic coursework. Depending on the institution, completing the residency awards a certificate or a master's degree alongside specialty credentials.

Do orthodontists work regular business hours?

Orthodontists usually work daytime hours, though schedules vary depending on the practice setting. Because treatment relies on scheduled appointments, daily routines tend to be predictable. Some offices schedule appointments during evening or weekend hours to make visits easier for working adults and school students. Those who operate their own practices also invest extra time into administrative tasks and practice management.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a fully licensed dentist who has completed two to three years of additional residency training in tooth and jaw alignment. While general dentists provide preventive cleanings, fillings, and broad oral care, orthodontists concentrate specifically on correcting misaligned bites and crooked teeth. Orthodontists design specialized appliances like braces and retainers, whereas general dentists frequently refer complex alignment cases to orthodontic specialists.

Where do orthodontists usually work?

Orthodontists primarily work in private orthodontic offices and dental group practices. Some practitioners find employment in dental schools, hospitals, or public health clinics. While many work full time in a single location, others choose part-time schedules or deliver patient care across multiple offices. Practice owners manage facility operations alongside clinical responsibilities, while associates focus almost entirely on direct patient appointments.

Can an orthodontist work remotely?

Most orthodontic work cannot be done remotely because examining oral structures and adjusting appliances requires in-person clinical contact. Hands-on manual tasks like bonding brackets and taking impressions require direct physical presence. However, some follow-up consultations, treatment monitoring, and administrative duties can be handled remotely using digital tools when appropriate for patient care.

Cover letter

Orthodontist Cover Letter

View the example

Related professions

In depth

All about orthodontist

The background, context and details.

Daily orthodontic practice

Orthodontists evaluate tooth and jaw alignment. They examine facial structures and bite relationships during in-person patient appointments. Treatment plans guide the movement of teeth over many months. Braces and retainers require routine adjustments. Close visual work and prolonged sitting or standing define the clinical routine. Using digital dental records and diagnostic images, an orthodontist tracks structural changes and modifies wires or appliances to ensure that bite alignment matches the projected treatment plan across every phase of care.

Clinical procedures and diagnostics

Precision matters. Orthodontists perform delicate manual adjustments. Patient consultations occur in person. They explain proper appliance care instructions and expected outcomes to patients. Digital planning tools assist with diagnosis, but clinical judgment and patient communication remain central to every procedure. When patients need general dental care, the orthodontist coordinates directly with dentists and other dental professionals to keep treatment safely aligned with clinical expectations.

Education and licensing requirements

The educational path is demanding. Students first complete undergraduate science coursework. Dental school takes four years. Aspiring orthodontists complete four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, followed by two to three years in an accredited orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics residency program. Graduates must secure a state dental license. State rules govern specialty recognition.

Work environments and schedules

Most orthodontists maintain daytime schedules. Appointment-based care keeps daily routines predictable. Some practices offer evening or weekend appointments to accommodate working adults and school schedules, while private practice owners frequently handle business and administrative duties alongside their direct patient consultations. Typical employers include private orthodontic practices, dental group practices, hospitals, and dental schools.

Long term career options

Career growth begins during dental school. After graduating from dental school and earning a license, specialists complete their residency training. Some professionals practice across multiple offices or choose part-time schedules. Experienced specialists can establish private offices, manage clinics, or teach at universities. Review admission prerequisites for accredited dental schools to begin planning your academic schedule.