An orthodontist vs. a dentist

            Many people have asked me what the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist is. They are confused because either their dentist does orthodontics or they know someone who is having orthodontic treatment under the care of their family dentist.

            A dentist can do orthodontics in his/her practice if he/she wants to. The dental law allows a dentist to do any aspect of dentistry. Orthodontics is in the curriculum of all dental schools in the United States. However, it is usually an overview of orthodontics. It typically is a semester to two semesters long and teaches the basics in orthodontics. Students learn how to make simple removable appliances and may do a simple orthodontic treatment on a patient. There is no true in-depth learning about orthodontic science and theory. This is in addition to all the other courses dental students must take.

            An orthodontist has specialized in orthodontics. He/she has pursued an intensive, two to three year curriculum in orthodontics where the science and theory of orthodontics is delved into deeply. An orthodontist will take such courses as Growth and Development, anatomy of the head and neck, biomechanics, embryology, biology of tooth movement, and many other specialized courses. An orthodontic resident will treat many difficult orthodontic situations during his/her tenure under the direct supervision of other orthodontists.

            I liken it to going to the corner mechanic vs. the dealership for work on your car. The corner mechanic is capable of diagnosing and repairing your car. However, the mechanics at dealerships are trained to work on your particular vehicle. If you have a Lamborghini, you would want to take it to someone very familiar with the workings of such a vehicle, a specialist, rather than the mechanic, a generalist, down the street.

            General dentists who do orthodontics have all taken courses in orthodontics after graduating from dental school. However, such courses are usually held on weekends and can’t, due to time constraints, delve as deeply into the subject of orthodontics as a specialist who went to a three year program. A general dentist is also doing all the other procedures a dentist does, along with the orthodontics.

            A specialist in orthodontics does one thing, orthodontics.

            I promise to provide you with the best and latest in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. This is what I am trained to do and it is my passion. I look forward to seeing you in my office and welcoming you into our orthodontic practice.