What Are the Differences Between A Dentist and Orthodontist

Why You Should Work with a Board-Certified Orthodontist

When you are looking for the best dental care for you or a loved one, it is important to

understand the qualifications of the providers you work with. Here we will explore some

of the differences between a dentist and orthodontist and the benefits of seeing a

board-certified practitioner.

 

What are the Differences Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

Licensed dentists and orthodontists are thoroughly trained dental professionals. But

while some of their expertise overlaps, there are distinct differences in the scope of

their practice.

Dentists take care of the overall health of teeth and other tissues in your mouth. Most

dental visits involve deep teeth cleaning and treating problems like gum disease,

cavities, or damaged and missing teeth. Orthodontists focus on the alignment of teeth

and jaws. They use appliances like braces and clear aligners (ex. Invisalign) to

straighten teeth and ensure the upper and lower jaws meet correctly. Dentists can refer

patients for problems that need orthodontic care. Patients can also seek an orthodontist

independently for evaluation.

You can think of it like the difference between a family doctor and a specialist physician.

Both treat a variety of medical problems. A family doctor, however, helps you maintain

your general health over time. A specialist addresses specific issues by providing

further treatment when you need it.

Just like your yearly physical, it is important to have regular visits with a dentist for

your entire life. On the other hand, you may see an orthodontist more frequently

than your dentist during your orthodontic treatment, but you likely will not need

to see them after your treatment is complete.

Yes, orthodontists must obtain additional education and training beyond what is required

for general dentistry. More specifically, orthodontists must complete up to 3 years of

full-time residency training in a recognized program.

In the United States, dentists and orthodontists start with the same educational

requirements. These consist of a 2 – 4 year undergraduate program followed by a

further 3 – 4 years of study at an accredited dental school, including hands-on training.

All dentists and orthodontists must then pass a licensing exam provided by their state to

begin practicing.

After obtaining a license, orthodontists go through several additional years of

training. As the American Dental Association (ADA) explains:

What distinguishes an orthodontist from a general dentist is the extensive postgraduate

training following dental school. Orthodontics…is a specific dental specialty that

requires an additional two to three years in a residency program accredited by the

Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). During this period, residents undergo

approximately 3,700 hours of dedicated training focused on tooth movement, bite

alignment, jaw growth, and facial development.

Some orthodontists go even further to get certification from the American Board of

Orthodontics.

 

What is the Difference Between a License and Board Certification?

A license is proof that a medical or dental provider is authorized to evaluate and treat

patients by the state in which they work. It is required to legally practice.

Board certification is a voluntary qualification that some practitioners pursue after

licensing. In orthodontics, certification is administered through the American

Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Successful applicants must pass a written and clinical

exam to obtain their initial certification. They must then pass renewal exams every ten

years to maintain the certification.

 

Are All Orthodontists Board Certified?

No, not all licensed orthodontists choose to become certified by the American Board of

Orthodontists. Certification may also lapse if it is not renewed as required by the ABO.

Why Should I Choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist?

Board certification is, as the ABO says, “confirmation of an orthodontist’s personal

commitment to providing lifelong quality patient care.” It is a mark of excellence

demonstrating that your orthodontist goes above and beyond in continuing their

education and collaborating with their colleagues in the field.

Simply put, working with a board-certified orthodontist means you are getting

high quality treatment that follows the best practices based on up-to-date

research and training.

 

How Can I Find a Board-Certified Orthodontist?

The ABO provides a handy tool for finding a board-certified orthodontist in your area.

If you are in Columbia, MD or central Maryland, please give us a call! At our practice,

board-certified orthodontists Dr. Raj Saini and Dr. Tarun “Ty” Saini perform the

majority of the clinical work. At Saini Orthodontics, you can be assured that you and your child are receiving the highest standard of care in a friendly, welcoming environment. We look forward to meeting you!