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What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontist Definition 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.

Life As an Orthodontist

  • 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.
  • Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
  • Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
  • Coordinate orthodontic services with other dental and medical services.
  • Prepare diagnostic and treatment records.
  • Provide patients with proposed treatment plans and cost estimates.

Orthodontist Required Skills

These are the skills Orthodontists say are the most useful in their careers:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Other Orthodontist Job Titles

  • Invisible Braces Orthodontist
  • Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Orthodontist
  • Board Certified Orthodontist
  • Dentofacial Orthopedics Dentist

What Kind of Orthodontist Job Opportunities Are There?

In the United States, there were 6,600 jobs for Orthodontist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 18.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,200 new jobs for Orthodontist by 2026. The BLS estimates 300 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Orthodontist are Arizona, Maryland, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in South Carolina, Maine, or Idaho. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Orthodontists Salary

The salary for Orthodontists ranges between about $72,780 and $208,000 a year.

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Orthodontists who work in Arkansas, Colorado, or Indiana, make the highest salaries.

How much do Orthodontists make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Arkansas $208,000
California $197,390
Colorado $230,400
Connecticut $211,240
Florida $204,750
Idaho $202,030
Illinois $199,050
Indiana $232,900
Iowa $267,870
Kentucky $139,450
Louisiana $129,830
Maryland $199,210
Massachusetts $282,740
Michigan $217,730
Montana $187,130
Nebraska $208,000
New Hampshire $208,000
New Jersey $274,400
New Mexico $193,750
New York $250,890
North Carolina $276,550
Ohio $228,420
Oklahoma $261,650
Oregon $208,000
Pennsylvania $258,940
South Carolina $279,610
Tennessee $219,860
Texas $188,190
Utah $113,710
Virginia $208,000
Washington $208,000
Wisconsin $209,880

Tools & Technologies Used by Orthodontists

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Orthodontists:

  • Web browser software
  • Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions Dolphin Management

Becoming an Orthodontist

Learn what Orthodontist education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become an Orthodontist?

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References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Amy Perry via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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