26 June 2020
In this video, I will answer the question of “how to become an orthodontist?” and my personal route!
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics is one of the specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is defined as the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures.
To become an orthodontist, you first have to become a dentist! After completing your high school training, you have to complete the pre-requisite courses to be admitted to dental school. Dental schools predominantly have similar required classes but there are some schools that have more specific requirements so you have to look into that before applying to dental school. I’ll go into more detail about these requirements in another video but after you complete your undergraduate training, it’s time to apply and complete dental school!
Dental school is 4 years long at most places in the United States, however at the University of the Pacific, it can be completed in 3 years. After you complete dental school, you are a dentist and are allowed to perform all types of dentistry, including orthodontics but you are held liable to perform at the level of a specialist. I really enjoyed orthodontics so I decided to apply to a residency where I can learn morea bout this field!
Orthodontic residencies span from 2-3 years depending on the location and there are a bunch of different factors that go into it! I will highlight this in another video but just wanted to give you guys a road map of the route to becoming an orthodontist.
I went to UCLA and complete my bachelor of science degree in Molecular, Cell & Developmental biology in 2012, then completed my dental school at UCLA School fo Dentistry in 2016. Subsequently, I attended UCLA Orthodontics where I received my Master of Science in 2018 and will be completing my residency in Orthodontics this June in 2019.
If you have any questions about any step of this process, please drop them in the comments below and I will try my best to answer them !
This video may contain orthodontic appliances, devices and/or procedural content. The content seen in this video is provided only for education purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized advice, please be sure to visit a professional orthodontist near you!