1. Home
  2. ACADEMICS
  3. CareerTraQ
  4. A-Z Index

Orthodontist (MD)

Occupation Information table
Overview: Orthodontists correct malformations in the growth of mouth and dental structures. They design and install braces, wires and other appliances in patients' jaws to realign malformations. Treatments are often long term and require adjustments.
Duties: They diagnose the causes of a patient's mouth and dental abnormalities in the jaw, mouth and teeth. Determine whether the abnormalities can be corrected with braces and devices.

May prescribe the removal of teeth or surgery as a preliminary step to the design of braces and devices to realign the patient's teeth or jaw.

They determine for each patient whether orthodontic corrective methods are needed for reasons of the health of teeth, mouth and jaws or for improving appearance.

Design actual braces, wires and other devices needed for each patient. Make adjustments on the devices as patient improves. Design devices patients can insert & remove for long term usage.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $75,000 to $81,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: Candidates for this occupation generally have completed their Bachelor’s Degree and have continued their education either 1 or 2 years longer.
Additional Training/Education: All states require orthodontists to be licensed. Licensing requires graduation from an accredited dental school and passing written and practical exams. In addition to completing four years of dental school, most orthodontists have a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college including specialized training. Dental schools require a minimum of two years of pre-dental college training.
Recommended Skills:
  • Analyzing requirements for a new product or service and creating a design to satisfy those needs.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Using your hands to operated fine instruments and precision tools.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Teaching others how to do something.
Recommended Values:
  • Having the ability to work with equipment or material things.
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
  • Doing something where you can physically see the results of your work.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.