What is an Orthodontist?
Career 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.
What Do Orthodontists Do On a Daily Basis?
- 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.
- Design and fabricate appliances, such as space maintainers, retainers, and labial and lingual arch wires.
- Instruct dental officers and technical assistants in orthodontic procedures and techniques.
- Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
- Provide patients with proposed treatment plans and cost estimates.
- Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
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Orthodontist Needed Skills
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
- Dentofacial Orthopedics Dentist
- Invisible Braces Orthodontist
- Orthodontist, Small Business Owner
- Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Orthodontist, Vice President
Orthodontist Employment Estimates
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 300 job openings in this field each year.
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.
Average Orthodontists Salary
The salary for Orthodontists ranges between about $72,780 and $208,000 a year.
Orthodontists who work in Arkansas, Colorado, or Indiana, make the highest salaries.
How much do Orthodontists make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools do Orthodontists Use?
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
Becoming an Orthodontist
Learn what Orthodontist education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Orthodontist?
Orthodontists Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Amy Perry via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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