What It Means To Become An Orthodontist

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Katrice Joseph Mrs. Holingue English 8, Period 6 26 April 2024 What it Means to be an Orthodontist Many believe an orthodontist's job is unnecessary because they only work for cosmetic purposes and to make teeth look nice. In reality, orthodontists focus on tooth health as well as tooth alignment. In fact, orthodontists are professionals who specialize in correcting bad teeth and misaligned jaws. They play a large role in helping people achieve healthy and comfortable smiles. I chose to research this job because I wanted to learn more about what it takes to become an orthodontist and what they do daily to help people. A rigorous educational path is required to become an orthodontist. This includes obtaining a Bachelor's degree in any subject, …show more content…
Afterward, it is recommended to take the NBDE followed by a specialized orthodontic residency program. This entire process can take around 10 years to complete, including 4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of dental school, and at least 2 years of orthodontic residency (Katakam). Although the education requirements are lengthy and difficult, I believe the salary makes the long education for this profession rewarding. The average salary of an orthodontist in an entry-level position is around $163,000 a year. Having a Master’s degree in orthodontics and becoming a licensed orthodontist is needed to get a mid-level position which earns about $187,510 annually. At an experienced position the salary is around $208,000, however it is possible to earn up to $300,000 working as a private orthodontist (Xello). While the salary depends on the position the orthodontist is in, it also depends on where the job is located. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state with the highest employment levels for orthodontists is California, with about 1,060 people …show more content…
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