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Orthodontists

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

What you’d do

  • Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
  • Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
  • Study diagnostic records, such as medical or dental histories, plaster models of the teeth, photos of a patient's face and teeth, and X-rays, to develop patient treatment plans.
  • Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
  • Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
  • Provide patients with proposed treatment plans and cost estimates.
  • Advise patients to comply with treatment plans.
  • Prepare diagnostic and treatment records.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Coordination

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Orthodontic Dentist
  • Orthodontic Specialist
  • Orthodontics Doctor
  • Orthodontist
  • Board Certified Orthodontist
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Specialist

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