Becoming an orthodontist can be a long process. Orthodontists do a lot more than just put on braces - therapy, reconstruction, and oral surgery are also a big part of any orthodontist's responsibility. Orthodontics is very lucrative, and more, it gives you the opportunity to change people's appearances, and ultimately, their lives. Before you start using

1.) The first thing that any aspiring dental school student must do is get their four year degree. You must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree to enter any accredited Dental School in the United States of America.

2.) Next, you must enroll in a Dental School or Dental College to get your DDS degree (Doctor of Dental Science). This typically takes about four years, during which time you will study anatomy, biology, and the social sciences as it relates to dentistry and orthodontics.

3.) The third step, is to pass the Dental Admission Test; a test that certifies your skill level. You must have a satisfactory skill set and working knowledge to practice dentistry. No dentist can practice any type of dentistry without first passing this exam.

4.) Fourth, you must enroll is orthodontics studies; typically courses involving the science behind orthodontia. These courses will teach you the material necessary for your chosen area of expertise, and will typically take an additional two to three years to complete.

5.) The final steps are to pass the College of Dentist Board exam and to become certified by completing the American Board of Orthodontics test. Most countries have a similar body that accepts new practitioners and sets policies. These entities also regulate dentists, and can carry out sanctions in many instances (when and if necessary).

In the end, you can see that becoming an orthodontist is a time consuming process. College and Dental Schools alone can take ten to twelve years to complete, and starting your own practice at the conclusion of your education is no easy feat. If you intend to start your own practice, like most orthodontists, you will need to pass an exam administered by the American Board of Orthodontics (as mentioned above). The test is comprised of both clerical and written portions. This is a comprehensive exam and it should not be taken lightly.

Once you have completed your schooling, exams, and certifications, it's time to start working. While many orthodontists start their own practices, some seek employment that is already established - such as an associate orthodontist position at an existing dental office. Taking this route will help you gain the experience and insight necessary to go out on your own as a private orthodontist in the future.