What Does an Orthodontist Do? A Guide to Salary, Skills & Career Path

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats dental and facial irregularities, primarily focusing on aligning teeth and jaws to correct malocclusions (improper bites). This career requires extensive education but offers high earning potential, with an average UK salary of around £100,419 per year, and positive job prospects due to growing demand for specialized dental care.

What is the primary role of an orthodontist?

An orthodontist's core responsibility is to improve a patient's oral health, function, and aesthetics by correcting the position of teeth and jaws. They are experts in managing malocclusions—a professional term for misalignments between the teeth of the two dental arches. Using advanced diagnostic tools like digital X-rays and 3D scanners, they create precise treatment plans involving appliances like braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Their work goes beyond straightening teeth; it enhances chewing functionality, speech, and can prevent long-term dental issues.

What does a typical orthodontist's responsibility list include?

The day-to-day duties of an orthodontist are both clinical and patient-focused. Key responsibilities often include:

• Diagnosing Abnormalities: Using advanced imaging to identify issues like overcrowding, overbites, underbites, and other complex dental-facial irregularities.
• Developing Treatment Plans: Creating customized, long-term plans that outline the use of specific orthodontic appliances to achieve optimal results.
• Managing Patient Care: Actively overseeing the entire treatment process, from fitting devices to making regular adjustments and monitoring progress at follow-up appointments.
• Interdisciplinary Consultation: Collaborating with general dentists, oral surgeons, and other dental professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

What skills are essential for a successful orthodontist?

Beyond technical knowledge, excelling in this field requires a blend of hard and soft skills. Based on our assessment experience, the most critical skills for an orthodontist are:

• Manual Dexterity: The ability to perform intricate procedures within the confined space of a patient's mouth with steady hands and precision.
• Communication Skills: Clearly explaining complex treatment options and procedures to patients of all ages, listening to concerns, and providing empathetic support.
• Problem-Solving: Each patient presents a unique challenge, requiring innovative and adaptive thinking to devise effective, personalized solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and the precise application and adjustment of orthodontic appliances.

How long does it take to become an orthodontist?

Becoming an orthodontist is a significant commitment, typically taking at least 10 years of education and training after secondary school. The path involves:

1. A 3-4 year bachelor's degree.
2. A 4-year dental school programme to earn a dental degree (e.g., BDS or DDS).
3. A competitive 2-3 year specialised residency programme in orthodontics.

This is followed by obtaining necessary certifications. Continuous professional development is essential to stay current with technological advancements in the field.

What is the job outlook and earning potential for orthodontists?

The job outlook for orthodontists in the UK is positive. According to data aggregated from industry sources on ok.com, the average base salary is approximately £100,419 per year. Actual compensation can vary based on factors like geographic location, years of experience, and type of practice (e.g., private practice vs. hospital setting). Demand is driven by increased awareness of oral health and the aesthetic benefits of orthodontic treatment, alongside the need to replace retiring professionals.

To build a successful career as an orthodontist, focus on developing a strong foundation in both clinical skills and patient rapport. The investment in education is substantial, but the career offers high financial rewards, job stability, and the professional satisfaction of improving patients' lives.