An orthodontist diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other corrective devices. The work is detail-oriented, requires a doctoral degree, and offers the chance to help patients gain confidence in their smiles.
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Orthodontists examine patients, take X-rays and impressions, and design treatment plans to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. You'll fit and adjust braces, aligners, and other appliances over months or years. The role involves staying current with new techniques and materials, communicating clearly with patients about their progress, and documenting all treatment details. You'll also manage a team and make clinical decisions about the best approach for each patient's unique needs.
Core work activities
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Orthodontists earn a median of $289,140 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 200 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Orthodontists complete a bachelor's degree, then dental school, followed by a specialized residency program in orthodontics. This path typically takes eight to ten years of education and training beyond high school. During your studies, you'll take courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and dental sciences. The residency focuses on diagnosis, treatment planning, and hands-on clinical experience. You'll also need to obtain the appropriate licenses and credentials required in your state to practice.
The path to orthodontics runs through undergraduate study, dental school, and a specialty residency. Since the timeline and prerequisites are set, work with your school counselor or academic advisor to map out your next steps, then use Pathly can map the orthodontist path that fits you to build a detailed plan that keeps you on track.
You do not need a license to work as an orthodontist, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to investigative work that involves solving complex problems, staying informed, and thinking critically about how to help each patient achieve the best outcome.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).