If you’re thinking about how to become an orthodontist, you’re considering a profession that combines science, precision, and real patient care. Orthodontists don’t just fix crooked teeth, they help improve confidence and overall oral health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for orthodontists is expected to grow by about 8% over the next decade, faster than average for all occupations. This means demand for specialists in this field is strong and growing.
The path isn’t quick or easy, but it’s straightforward if you know the right steps. This article breaks down the steps to become an orthodontist into 10 clear phases, so you know exactly what you need to do to get there.
Step 1: Focus on Science in High School
You may not be applying braces just yet, but if you’re thinking long-term about how to become an orthodontist, your first step actually starts in high school. Pay close attention to biology, chemistry, and physics classes. These will give you the foundation you’ll need later in college and dental school.
Also, don’t ignore your math and writing skills. Math helps with problem-solving in science courses, and writing comes in handy when you’re writing personal statements or explaining treatment plans to patients later on.
Step 2: Get a Bachelor’s Degree (Preferably in a Science Field)
The next step in your orthodontist career path is college. You’ll need a four-year bachelor’s degree before you can even apply to dental school. Most future orthodontists major in something science-related like biology or chemistry because those degrees naturally include the required courses dental schools want to see.
Here’s what you need to become an orthodontist at this stage:
- Take courses in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry
- Keep your GPA strong, 3.5 and above will keep you competitive
- Start gaining exposure to dentistry through internships or shadowing dentists
Dental schools don’t require a specific major, but they do require those core science classes, so plan your schedule wisely.
Step 3: Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
After or during your junior year of college, you’ll need to take the DAT. This test evaluates your knowledge of science, math, and perceptual ability. Think of it as the MCAT but for dental school.
The better your score, the better your chances of getting into a competitive dental program. A score above 20 is considered solid. You’ll probably want to study for 2-3 months before taking it.
If you’re still figuring out what do you need to become an orthodontist, the DAT is one of the key milestones on the academic side.
Step 4: Apply to Dental School
Once your DAT scores are in, you’ll start applying to dental schools. This is where your GPA, DAT, personal essay, and recommendation letters all come together.
Dental school is where your general dental education begins. The program lasts four years, and you’ll graduate with either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Both degrees are exactly the same in terms of what they allow you to do.
During this time, you’ll learn everything from oral anatomy and pathology to patient care. Some schools even offer introductory courses in orthodontics to help you explore the specialty early.
Step 5: Graduate with Your DDS or DMD Degree
This step marks a huge milestone in the steps to become an orthodontist. Once you finish dental school, you’ll be a licensed general dentist. But you’re not done yet. If your goal is to specialize in orthodontics, you’ll need additional training through a residency program.
This is also the point where many students apply for residencies in their final year of dental school. Competition is stiff, so make sure your grades and clinical experience stand out.
Step 6: Apply to an Orthodontic Residency Program
If you’re still with me, this is where the real orthodontics training begins. You’ll need to apply to an ADA-accredited orthodontic residency program. These programs are highly selective and usually accept only a small number of applicants each year.
Here, you’ll start learning how to diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws, use braces and aligners, and develop long-term treatment plans for patients. You’ll also study facial growth, craniofacial development, and biomechanics.
This is a crucial step in the orthodontist career path, as it’s where your general dental knowledge becomes specialized.
Step 7: Complete Your Orthodontic Residency (2–3 Years)
Once accepted, your residency usually lasts between two to three years. During this time, you’ll treat real patients under expert supervision. You’ll get hands-on experience with braces, Invisalign, expanders, retainers, and everything else that comes with moving teeth into better positions.
You’ll also learn how to read X-rays, conduct consultations, and manage long-term treatment plans. This is where your skills sharpen and you start to feel like an actual orthodontist.
If you’re serious about how to become an orthodontist, this step is where the real shift happens from student to specialist.
Step 8: Get Licensed to Practice
You can’t legally work as an orthodontist until you’re licensed. The licensing process includes:
- Passing the National Board Dental Examinations (you’ll usually take this during dental school)
- Completing a regional or state clinical exam
- Meeting specific requirements for the state where you plan to practice
Once you’ve passed everything, you’ll officially be licensed to practice orthodontics in your state. This is a must-do, no exceptions.
Step 9: Consider Getting Board Certified
Board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) isn’t mandatory, but it’s a smart move. It shows that you’ve gone the extra mile in demonstrating your skills, ethics, and professionalism.
To get certified, you’ll need to pass written and clinical exams and submit case studies. Patients and employers often look for board-certified orthodontists because it adds another layer of trust.
Adding board certification to your résumé can also give you an edge if you’re joining a group practice or teaching at a university.
Step 10: Start Practicing and Continue Learning
Now that you’re trained, licensed, and maybe even certified, it’s time to start your career. You can join a private practice, open your own, or even work in a hospital or academic setting.
Even though you’ve completed the official training, continuing education is a big part of being a good orthodontist. New tools and techniques are always emerging, and staying current helps you give patients the best care possible.
So if you’ve been asking how to become an orthodontist, this is the part where all that effort starts paying off.
More Than Straight Teeth
If you’re still thinking about how to become an orthodontist, it might help to ask yourself why you want it. The steps are clear, but the work goes deeper than just lining up teeth. You’re helping people feel better about themselves, sometimes in ways they don’t even expect. A good smile can change how someone shows up in the world.
This isn’t a fast path, and it’s not always easy. But if you’re someone who likes problem-solving, working with your hands, and seeing the real-life impact of what you do, it’s worth it. You won’t just be moving teeth, you’ll be helping people move through life with a little more confidence. And that’s a solid reason to show up every day.