What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who has taken several years of extra training beyond the basic dental degree. Here is what the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says: "It takes many years to become an orthodontist. As in medicine, the educational requirements are demanding. First, an orthodontist must complete college. Next is a three- to four-year graduate program at a dental school in a university or other institution accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Finally, there are at least two or three years of advanced specialty education in an ADA-accredited orthodontic residency program. The program is difficult. It includes advanced knowledge in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic resident learns the complex skills required to both manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists.  more

All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. In fact, only about six out of a hundred dentists have the proper training to be “orthodontists”. As a specialist in orthodontics, unlike general dentists who provide orthodontic care, Dr. Alexander is focused only on your orthodontic needs and has completed the residency necessary to be a licensed Orthodontist. Find out more about orthodontics.  more

All orthodontists must first graduate from dental school as general dentists. Then they attend two to three additional years of school in a residency program to be trained as specialists in orthodontics.