Life As an Orthodontist
Job Description: 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.
Orthodontist Responsibilities
- 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.
- Prepare diagnostic and treatment records.
- Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
- Instruct dental officers and technical assistants in orthodontic procedures and techniques.
- Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
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What an Orthodontist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Orthodontists say are important on the job.
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.
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.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles
- Pediatric Orthodontist
- Board Certified Orthodontist
- Invisible Braces Orthodontist
- Dentofacial Orthopedics Dentist
- Orthodontist
Orthodontist Job Outlook
There were about 6,600 jobs for Orthodontist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
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.
Salary for an Orthodontist
The typical yearly salary for Orthodontists is somewhere between $72,780 and $208,000.
Orthodontists who work in Arkansas, Colorado, or Indiana, make the highest salaries.
How much do Orthodontists make in different U.S. states?
| 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
How to Become an Orthodontist
What education is needed to be an Orthodontist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Orthodontists?
The table below shows the approximate number of Orthodontists employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Amy Perry via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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