Have you ever wondered what it would take to become an Orthodontist? You’re interested in the dentistry field but don’t know what it takes to get there. Becoming an Orthodontist requires education, certification, and licensing. This process could take up to 11 years to complete.
Dr. Gutierrez graduated from the University of Texas School of Dentistry. HOOK’EM HORNS! He opened a general dentistry practice before switching to solely providing orthodontic services. Dr. G has been practicing orthodontics in Houston and Katy, Texas since 1986. His road to opening an orthodontic practice was not as simple as that makes it sound though.
After graduating high school, you will go on to 4-year college. There, you will get a Bachelor’s degree in most likely Biology or Chemistry. It is recommended that you work or volunteer in a dental or orthodontic office. This will help you gain knowledge and experience in the field. Your next step is to attend a graduate school that specializes in Dentistry (also known as, Dental School).
Dental Schools are in high demand, so you must apply to the school of your choice. For dentistry and orthodontics, you must also pass the Dental Admission Test. A requirement of Dental School is to complete a residency.
After you complete your schooling, you must pass the National Board Dental Exam. Without this, you are unable to practice in the United States. Additionally, certain states, like Texas, require an orthodontic specialty license. You receive this license after completing an educational, written, and clinical exam.
There are many roles in an orthodontic practice. That of the doctor, or orthodontist, takes the most time and requires the most education. Students in our local community, Katy, Texas, have the option of attending the Dental Assisting Program at Miller Career & Technology Center. This program is a phenomenal choice, no matter what career you want to have in the Orthodontic field.
Miller Career & Technology Center gives students the opportunity to learn about the dental field. Students practice working on patients and learn basic dental education. The experience and knowledge students gain in this program help set them up on the right path to successfully become an Orthodontist.
The education, certification, and licensing needed to become an Orthodontist is an extensive process. If you ask Dr. G, he would say it is a worthwhile one. Dr. Gutierrez loves getting to impact lives through his orthodontic practice. Our hope is that you now have a better understanding of what it would take to become an Orthodontist.
