Path to Success

Starting Position

A starting orthodontist typically begins as an associate in a private practice, DSO, or hospital setting after completing 10-12 years of education, earning an average of $200,000-$250,000 annually.

How to get there

To become an orthodontist, you must first complete a four-year bachelors degree followed by four years of dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine. After obtaining your general dental license, you must be accepted into a highly competitive orthodontic residency program, which requires an additional two to three years of specialized training focused on tooth movement and jaw alignment. Finally, you must pass state-specific licensing exams and may choose to become board-certified to officially practice as a specialist in the field.

History of Orthodontics

The history of orthodontics began with ancient Greek and Etruscan attempts to treat crooked teeth, but it emerged as a modern science in the mid-1800s through pioneers like Norman Kingsley and Edward Angle. While Angle—the "father of modern orthodontics"—prioritized ideal occlusion and preserving a full set of teeth, the field eventually shifted toward correcting jaw relationships and simplifying treatment with the 1970s straight-wire appliance. Today, this evolution continues with clear aligners, which use digital 3D scans and plastic trays to apply pressure instead of bonded metal brackets.

Pros and Cons

Orthodontists enjoy high earning potential (typically 190k to $400,000+), excellent work-life balance with manageable hours, and high career satisfaction from transforming patient smiles and confidence. This low-stress, specialized field offers strong job security, opportunities to run private practices, and rewarding, long-term patient relationships.

Orthodontists face a challenging career path marked by immense educational debt and a saturated market that has doubled in size over 20 years. Beyond the physical strain of the work, practitioners must balance clinical care with the high-pressure business demands of marketing and HR. Success is further complicated by risks like root resorption and the heavy reliance on patient compliance for long-term results.