Life As 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?
- Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
- Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
- Instruct dental officers and technical assistants in orthodontic procedures and techniques.
- Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
- Prepare diagnostic and treatment records.
- 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.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Orthodontist?
When polled, Orthodontists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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 for this Occupation:
- Board Certified Orthodontist
- Orthodontist, Small Business Owner
- Pediatric Orthodontist
- Orthodontist
- Invisible Braces Orthodontist
Job Demand for Orthodontists
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.
Orthodontist Average Salary
The average yearly salary of an Orthodontist ranges between $72,780 and $208,000.
Orthodontists who work in Arkansas, Colorado, or Indiana, make the highest salaries.
How much do Orthodontists make in different U.S. states?
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Orthodontists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Orthodontists may use on a daily basis:
- Web browser software
- Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions Dolphin Management
How do I Become an Orthodontist?
Education needed to be an Orthodontist:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Orthodontists?
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.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.