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The challenge of making the right career decision

When you choose a career, you’re making a big commitment. For some, a career choice is something that comes easily. For others, it takes a lot more thought. No matter which is the case for you, your career choice should be made carefully and wisely. Ask yourself: will this career use my skills, knowledge and abilities? Will it match my personality and interests? Do I like working with a close-knit team? Will I enjoy the professional prestige and the satisfaction that comes when I know I am really helping others? 

 Choosing your career in orthodontics

The orthodontic field is full of opportunities. Each career choice is personally and professionally satisfying. In each you’ll be a member of a special team which produces better oral health, enhanced self-esteem and beautiful smiles.

In addition to being able to manage your own career path (molding it to fit your lifestyle). . .and in addition to the financial rewards that come with a career in orthodontics. . .as a member of the orthodontic team you will be rewarded as you see someone’s smile change gradually before your eyes. As their teeth and jaws shift into alignment, patients’ personalities change too. Their self-confidence blossoms. Teens, men and women become ready to smile, to confidently meet the world face-first.

Please, remember such rewards as you consider a career in orthodontics.

What is orthodontics?

Within the dental profession, orthodontists are the specialists who are uniquely educated and qualified to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment. The term “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite,” or “facial disharmonies,” is used to describe the abnormalities treated by orthodontists.

Orthodontists deliver lifelong benefits to their patients. . . the kind of benefits that can improve physical and emotional health. They provide treatment that can prevent serious, costly health problems in later life.

It takes a team

The team leader is the orthodontist. But the successful orthodontic practice depends on a variety of other professional and clerical staff members, such as:

Treatment Coordinator
Scheduling Coordinator
Financial Administrator
Clinical Coordinator
Orthodontic Technician/Assistant
Orthodontic Laboratory Technician
Instrument Coordinator

Any way you go, orthodontics can put you on a career path that provides the satisfaction of helping patients improve their smiles, their dental health and their self-esteem. It’s a positive, upbeat career that lets you deal with generally healthy, motivated people who are on the road to better lives.

What does it take to join the team?

The various positions on the orthodontic team require different levels of education and experience. Ask an orthodontist for information regarding your career choices.

Here are a few examples of the type of work, education and skills for various positions:

Orthodontic Chairside Assistant —

Typical Responsibilities: assists the orthodontist with treatment, takes x-rays/records, educates the patient about oral health and overall health, serves as a key communication link between the patient and the doctor, prepares teeth for the placement of brackets, makes orthodontic wires, and instructs the patient. Orthodontic Assistants also play key roles motivating patients to do their part in achieving successful results from their treatment.

In this career choice, you will play a key role in motivating patients so they’ll do what needs to be done in order to achieve the very best results from their orthodontic treatment.

Requirements: high school diploma, customer service skills, excellent eye-hand coordination, computer skills (important in many practices for inputting patient records, computer imaging, etc.). Certification available (but not required). The orthodontist may arrange for special training.

Orthodontic Laboratory Technician —

Typical Responsibilities: prepare orthodontic study models, make orthodontic retainers, design appliances for tooth and bone movement, coordinate office needs with outside labs. The technician may also work with the orthodontist to develop skills for making new appliances.

Requirements: high school diploma, excellent eye-hand coordination, computer skills (important in many practices). Certification available (but not required). The orthodontist may arrange for special training.

Orthodontic Office Administrator —

Typical Responsibilities: schedule appointments; clerical and bookkeeping duties; prepare financial arrangements for patients; phone contacts with patients, family dentists, other dental specialists and doctors; customer service relations.

Requirements: High school diploma, customer service skills, good spoken and written communication ability, business training and/or experience. And, in this day, computer skills are generally essential in many, if not all, practices for patient record-keeping, patient and professional communications, billing, scheduling.

Becoming a member of the orthodontic team requires a unique combination of skills, a steadfast commitment to long-term goals and a desire to excel. In some positions, an interest in science is important. All positions require individuals who thrive on creativity and challenge. . .and who are patient. But if you like to help people and if you would enjoy the respect that comes with being a member of a highly regarded health-care profession that has the capacity to change people’s lives, then, consider a career in orthodontics.
What does it take to become an orthodontist?

All orthodontists are, first of all, dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic post-graduate programs is extremely competitive and selective.

It takes many years to become an orthodontist. As in medicine, the educational requirements are demanding.

First, an orthodontist must complete college. Next is a three- to four-year graduate program at a dental school in a university or other institution accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Finally, there are at least two or three years of advanced specialty education in an ADA-accredited orthodontic residency program. The program is difficult. It includes advanced knowledge in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic resident learns the complex skills required to both manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists.

For more information on orthodontics and on careers in orthodontics : Talk with Dr. Fulop-Goodling.

Whatever position you choose on the orthodontic team, you will receive an excellent salary and great benefits. You’ll work in a great environment as a respected member of the health-care profession. And, most importantly, you will build a career with employable skills that you can take with you, should you ever move to a new community.

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