About This Career Path
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.
Health Sciences
Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies.
Orthodontists
Average
$268,940
ANNUAL
$129.30
HOURLY
Entry Level
$61,150
ANNUAL
$29.40
HOURLY
Orthodontists
360
Projected job openings through 2030
Orthodontists
01
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.
02
Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
03
Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
04
Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
05
Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
06
Provide patients with proposed treatment plans and cost estimates.
07
Instruct dental officers and technical assistants in orthodontic procedures and techniques.
08
Prepare diagnostic and treatment records.
09
Design and fabricate appliances, such as space maintainers, retainers, and labial and lingual arch wires.
10
Coordinate orthodontic services with other dental and medical services.
Orthodontists
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Medicine and Dentistry
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
Biology
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Economics and Accounting
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Complex Problem Solving
SKILL
Judgment and Decision Making
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Arm-Hand Steadiness
ABILITY
Deductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Finger Dexterity
ABILITY
Inductive Reasoning
Health Sciences
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