Career profile Β· live from the Careermash careers engine
Career profile

Orthodontist

Becoming an orthodontist in the United States is a thrilling journey for those passionate about transforming smiles. This career path not only offers the chance to work closely with patients but also allows you to utilise cutting-edge technology and techniques to create beautiful, healthy teeth. The demand for orthodontic services is on the rise, making this a lucrative and rewarding profession for ambitious individuals.
Degree usually required
AI impact: low££££ payUni route
0
AI impact
how much AI is reshaping it
Ottalie Β· your guide
Curious about being a orthodontist? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

As an orthodontist, you will diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities, using braces, aligners, and other devices to correct teeth and jaw alignment. Your role will involve creating treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs, monitoring progress, and making adjustments to ensure optimal results. You will also educate patients about oral hygiene and the importance of maintaining their orthodontic appliances. The profession is highly collaborative, often requiring you to work alongside general dentists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care.
1Conducting patient consultations and assessments
2Designing and implementing orthodontic treatment plans
3Monitoring patient progress and making necessary adjustments

Career progression & pay

01
Getting in

Junior Orthodontist

$100,000
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
In this entry-level position, you will assist in patient care, gaining hands-on experience while working under the supervision of a licensed orthodontist.
02
Building up

Mid-Level Orthodontist

$150,000
2-5 years of experience
At this stage, you will manage your own patient caseload, performing treatments and developing your own practice style.
03
At the top

Senior Orthodontist

$250,000+
Extensive experience and advanced certifications
As a senior orthodontist, you will lead a practice, mentor junior staff, and may also engage in research or teaching.

Degrees that lead here via Medicine and Dentistry

Apprenticeships that lead here

No apprenticeship standard maps directly yet - the university or college route is the main way in.

Organisations in this field

Bupa Dental Care
One of the UK's leading dental care providers, offering a range of orthodontic services.
MyDentist
A large dental group in the UK, providing orthodontic treatments across many locations.
Portman Dental Care
A network of private dental practices in the UK, focusing on high-quality orthodontic care.

How to get in - your routes

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Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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