An orthodontist is a registered dental specialist in the field of orthodontics. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of alignment problems with the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic problems can influence the facial profile, airway patency and the condition of the jaw joints.
To become and orthodontist, you must first qualify as a general dentist by completing a Bachelor of Dental Science degree that consists of 5 or more years of full-time study. You must then work as a general dentist for a minimum of 2 years to then apply for the specialist training programme, entry into which is highly competitive.
The orthodontic specialist training involves a further 3 years of full-time study for a Masters Degree in Dental Science (Orthodontics). Only after a further year of supervised practice in the speciality of Orthodontics can you then register as a specialist orthodontist (11 years of training minimum from start to finish!)
