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Orthodontists By Ashley Killingsworth
I want to go into the dental field after college. I would like to go beyond a dentist and become an orthodontist. I am interested in this career because I want to provide people with a beautiful smile. Also, I want to become one because it has a good pay.
Description • Treat periodontal problems and cleft jaws • Realign teeth (often use retainers and braces) • Design and make appliances • Observe, diagnose, and treat problems with development of the jaw • Main goal is to improve smiles and oral health • Ortho means straight • Odont means tooth
Skills • Good communication • Well-organized • Management skills • Scientific abilities • Approachable • Friendly
Education • Minimum- 2 year pre-dental • Bachelor’s Degree followed by 4 years of dental school • Dental school: either pursue Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine • After schooling: 2-3 years on-the-job training • Dental students range in major • Most major in science (biology/chemistry) • Dental school studies: anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, extended laboratory techniques, clinical practices • Recommended high school courses: biology, chemistry, physics, health, math
Work Condition Many make their own business (offices) Most work 4 to 5 days a week Full time is 35-40 hours a week
Monetary Conception • Salary around $164,150 a year • Varies due to location, hours worked, etc. • Related jobs: • Dental Assistant- $29,608 • Dental Hygienist- $57,179 • Dental Laboratory Technician- $36,843
Outlook • Job prospects should be decent • Industry has been increasing • Younger orthodontists will be able to take over older orthodontist’s businesses due to retirement and hour cut backs • With the slow economy the demand slightly decreases and may leave difficulty in finding a job in the field
Content I have learned in this class has somewhat helped me. Although we didn’t learn about the placements of teeth, I have learned how our jaws are shaped while learning about evolution. Also, by leaning about diseases and cancer of the mouth, which I will see as an orthodontist.