A Look at How Long It Takes to Become an Orthodontist

How long does it take to become an orthodontist?. The answer to the question depends on many factors, including your level of education before you became an orthodontist and how much time you spend working to become one. On average, you’ll probably spend between four and seven years studying to become an orthodontist, but the exact number of years will depend on your individual circumstances. We’ll look at each of these factors in turn, starting with some background information about becoming an orthodontist in the first place.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Orthodontist?

Applying to dental school can take a while; once you’ve been accepted, becoming an orthodontist takes even longer. A typical curriculum consists of four years of education (including one year of dental school and three years of specialized training in orthodontics), plus one or two additional years of residency. After that, you can sit for your boards, which is how you receive your license to practice. On average, it takes about 13 years from start to finish. But don’t worry: You have plenty of time during those seven years in dental school to explore alternative career paths!

What Degree Do I Need?

Every state requires orthodontists (and dentists) to have a DDS or DMD, plus additional specialized training. The additional specialized training for orthodontists is called a residency program and can range from two years in length to as many as four years. Once you’ve completed your orthodontic training and passed your licensing exams, then you can start looking for work in private practice or with a corporation like Delta Dental or Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In other words, how long it takes to become an orthodontist will depend on whether you want to be in private practice or working for someone else.

What About Financial Aid in becoming Orthodontist?

In addition to considering how long it takes to become an orthodontist (and dentists), you may also want to consider how much it costs. Since dental school tuition is often on par with medical school tuition, it’s smart to know what financial aid options are available. And while you might assume that scholarships and grants are out of your reach, they aren’t always. For example, the Gates Millennium Scholars program offers a number of excellent scholarship opportunities for those with financial need and a high GPA. If dental school isn’t completely covered by scholarships and grants, taking out student loans will likely be necessary.

How Much Will This All Cost Me?

The cost of orthodontic school and education can vary widely, depending on where you study. In fact, even in-state tuition rates at a public university may differ by tens of thousands of dollars from one campus to another . Here’s a look at how much schools in your state typically charge for undergraduate and graduate dental programs, as well as for orthodontics. While individual costs can vary significantly based on living expenses and other factors, you can use these figures as a guide when planning your own educational budget. For example, say a private university’s orthodontics program has a total cost of attendance (or sticker price) that averages $78,000 per year.

Where Should I Go to School for Orthodontist?

When choosing where to earn your degree, you have a lot of factors to consider. One of those factors is how long it takes to complete that degree program. For instance, you may have a specific time in mind when you’d like to become a practicing orthodontist. So, how long does it take? To learn more about what’s involved and how long it will take for you (and others) make sure to read on.

How Important Is Class Size?

Just how important is class size when choosing your orthodontic specialty? How long does it take to become a dentist with a specialization in orthodontics? Are there any disadvantages for becoming one? Class size: how many patients do you see each day, and how does that number compare with other specialists in your field? What role will class size play in deciding where you’ll go after dental school, and what specialties are your biggest competition when seeking residencies and fellowships?

Can I Work as An Orthodontic Assistant in the Meantime?

If you’re just not ready to go back to school full-time, but are still determined to work in orthodontics, you might consider becoming a part-time orthodontic assistant while you complete your bachelor’s degree. This is a great way to keep active in the industry while attending classes and will give you hands-on experience that could help immensely when it comes time for your ortho boards. In fact, if your school has a program where qualified students can do clinicals through their education or through separate programs, consider taking advantage of it! The more knowledge and experience you have under your belt going into school full-time (and especially into ortho boards), the better off you’ll be.

What’s Next After Graduation?

All orthodontists need a degree, but that’s where their similarities end. To determine which school you should attend, research what each offers in terms of clinical rotation opportunities and study abroad programs. Talk with pre-ortho advisors and current students at these schools; they can tell you what they liked (and didn’t like) about your prospective schools. While it’s important to keep costs in mind when deciding where to enroll, you shouldn’t allow financial concerns alone dictate your decision – as tuition can vary widely among programs.