Is your dream to one day be an orthodontist? Orthodontists in Vaughan are an integral part of dentistry, and the field can always use more. Becoming an orthodontist is a big deal; however, it is not a quick and easy journey, and it takes years of school and training to make it happen. As with any profession, new information is always coming in, and a good orthodontist must be committed to continual learning to stay on top of it.
Our team at Vellore Woods Dentistry has put together this article so that you can get a better idea of the steps you will have to undergo if you want to be able to deliver orthodontics treatment near you.
What is an Orthodontist?
Before you choose to begin the long journey into orthodontics in Woodbridge, it is important that you understand the role of an orthodontist. An orthodontist, like a dentist, is a doctor of oral health. However, an orthodontist specializes in tooth and jaw alignment.
Like dentists near you, certified orthodontists can diagnose and treat oral health conditions concerning the mouth, teeth, and gums. However, the main role of an orthodontist is to ensure that the teeth and jaw are in the correct position. The main roles of orthodontists include:
- Diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws
- Supervising facial growth in children
- Creating a treatment plan
- Performing oral surgery
- Installing dental appliances such as braces
Steps to Becoming an Orthodontist
Now that you know what an orthodontist is, if you are still interested in pursuing orthodontics near you, you must first complete a Bachelor of Science degree. Your degree is required for admission into dental school. There are ten dental schools in Canada, so make sure you do your research to decide which school is right for you.
After completing dental school, you are considered a general dentist, which means that you are certified to work as a general dentist and assist with preventive and diagnostic care of the teeth, gums, and mouth. You can choose to leave your schooling there, or you can specialize and become an orthodontist. To do this, you must pursue a Master’s degree, which takes another three years of study, as well as a residency program.
Admissions are extremely competitive, with only seven dental schools in Canada accepting graduate admissions for orthodontics, so be sure to stay on top of your grades in dental school. As well, several schools require that you have at least one to two years of experience working as a general dentist or formal training of some kind before admission into a Master’s program.
Once you have finished your Master’s, you will write a board certification exam and become a licensed orthodontist with the ability to provide orthodontics treatment in Vaughan.
Continuous Learning
As mentioned earlier, just because you are now licensed to provide orthodontics treatment in Woodbridge, it does not mean your learning stops. The field of orthodontics is always evolving as new information is discovered and new best practice is established. Skilled and competent orthodontists continue to learn from their peers at their dental clinic in Woodbridge and constantly think about new and innovative ways to improve their practices. Experienced orthodontists use years of knowledge to determine the best treatment plans, anticipate and prevent oral health issues, and provide high-quality care to all their patients.
Orthodontics is a vital part of dentistry and can make for an exciting and rewarding career. If you are interested in becoming an orthodontist, our team at Vellore Woods Dentistry is cheering you on!