An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed the requirements for a general dental degree such as a DDS or DMD. They have then furthered their education by studying to become a specialist in the area of teeth and jaw alignment and occlusion. He is typically known as the dentist who puts braces on the teeth to straighten them. A board-certified orthodontist has passed tests that have been set up by a regulatory body to show his proficiency in this area.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has successfully completed at least two academic years of continuous advanced studies in an orthodontic program of a dental school or institution approved by the American Dental Association. This advanced training includes such diverse studies as physics, embryology, genetics, human growth and development, biophysics and engineering. Only those dentists with this advanced education can announce that they are orthodontists.
All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend university, and then complete a four-year dental graduate program at a university dental school. They must then successfully complete an additional two- to three-year residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. Through this training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). (return to top) Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists. 3. What causes orthodontic problems (malocclusions)? Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired.