What it takes to become an orthodontist.

 An orthodontist is a dental specialist that has not only completed college and 4 years of dental school, but has also completed an additional 2 to 3 years residency program accredited by the ADA of advanced education in orthodontics. After receiving the additional years of training and education, an orthodontist has learned the skills that are required to treat the misalignment of teeth and facial development with braces, headgear, retainers and other methods. Only a dentist that has completed the additional years of training and education after dental school is an orthodontist.

Orthodontists do much more than simply put on braces; preparation for oral surgery, and treatment to keep the jaw joints healthy are a large part of an orthodontist’s duties. Becoming an orthodontist is a  rewarding career choice and it can make a difference in the way people feel about themselves for their entire lives.

Step 1

Earn a Bachelor’s degree. You generally must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree to enter dental school.

Step 2

Enroll in a dental college to attain your DDS (Doctor of Dental Science). This will take four years of studying biology, social sciences, and anatomy as they relate to dental health.

Step 3

Pass the Dental Admissions Test. This test certifies that you have the necessary skills to become a practicing dentist; no dentist is allowed to operate a practice without passing this exam.

Step 4

Enroll in a Science of Orthodontics course. This will take an additional two to three years. This course will begin teaching you the arts of your chosen profession.

Step 5

Start a practice.

Becoming an orthodontist is very challenging and takes hard work and dedication.

It is crucial to brush your teeth a minimum of 2 times a day. However, if you have braces you should be brushing after every meal. This is critical because braces tend to trap food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities if you don’t clean your teeth each time you eat.

You should brush your teeth between 3-4 minutes. Patients generally think they are brushing long enough, when, in fact, most people spend less than one minute brushing. It is generally better to brush 3 to 4 minutes twice a day instead of brushing quickly five or more times throughout the day. Here are the five steps to  brushing your teeth properly.

Step 1: Place the toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle.

Step 2: Gently brush teeth only a small group of teeth at a time (in a circular or elliptical motion) until the entire mouth is covered.

Step 3: Brush the outside of the teeth, inside of the teeth, the chewing surfaces, and in between each tooth.

Step 4: Gently brush the tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 at least twice daily, especially after meals and snacks.

Some great ways to time your daily brushings is with a cooking timer, a little hourglass (you can get from your dentist), or singing some fun songs. Listed below are some songs you can sing about teeth while brushing.

To the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”

Brush, brush, brush your teeth

Gently round your gums.

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,

Brushing can be fun!!

Brush, brush, brush your teeth

Brush them every day.

The front, the sides, the back, the top

To keep decay (or the bugs or germs) away!

Floss, floss, floss your teeth

Floss without delay.

You need to do this every day

To keep decay (or the bugs or germs) away!

To the tune of “Jingle Bells”  

I brush my teeth, I brush my teeth, morning noon and night.

I brush them, floss them, rinse them clean; I keep them nice and white.

I brush them once, I brush them twice; I brush them till they shine.

I always brush them round and round; those precious teeth of mine.

I eat good foods, I eat good foods, I give my teeth a treat.

I like to eat healthy foods like veggies, fruit, and meat.

If I eat sweets, if I eat sweets, I brush them right away

To keep my teeth shiny bright, and free from tooth decay.

To the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”

If you’re happy and you know it give a smile                                                  

If you’re happy and you know it give a smile

If you’re happy and you know it then your face is going to show it

If you’re happy and you know it give a smile.

When my teeth are clean I know it ‘cause I SMILE

When my teeth are clean I know it ‘cause I SMILE

When my teeth are clean I know it and I’m not afraid to show it

When my teeth are clean I know it ‘cause I SMILE

To the tune of “Old MacDonald had a Farm”

All my friends have pretty smiles

Ee – i – ee – i – o. 

They brush their teeth to keep them bright,

Ee – i – ee – i – o.

With a wiggle-jiggle here,

And a wiggle-jiggle there,

Here a wiggle, there a jiggle,

Everywhere a wiggle-jiggle

Oh what fun to brush our teeth, 

Ee – i – ee – i – o.

Sing these songs a few times while brushing your teeth and you smile will stay fresh, clean and healthy.