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Career Details : Orthodontists

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Description

Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Tasks

  • Diagnoses teeth and jaw or other dental/facial abnormalities.
  • Plans treatment, using cephalometric, height, and weight records, dental x-rays, and front and lateral dental photographs.
  • Examines patient's mouth to determine position of teeth and jaw development.
  • Fits dental appliances in patient's mouth to alter position and relationship of teeth and jaws and to realign teeth.
  • Designs and fabricates appliances, such as space maintainers, retainers, and labial and lingual arch wires.
  • Adjusts dental appliances periodically to produce and maintain normal function.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Indoors
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