Dentist vs. Orthodontist: Understanding the Key Differences

Both dentists and orthodontists address problems related to the teeth and overall oral health. However, they concentrate on different areas of care and receive different types of training.

Dentists

• Dentists must complete post-graduate education at an accredited dental school and pass oral and practical examinations to be licensed for practice. They generally focus on the teeth and tissues of the mouth, treating tooth decay, repairing damaged teeth and helping patients achieve good oral hygiene to prevent future problems.

Orthodontists

• Orthodontists are licensed dentists who have completed an orthodontic residency program lasting two years or longer. They improve tooth and jaw alignment for both cosmetic and practical reasons. Knowledge of both orthodontics, or tooth movement, and dentofacial orthopedics, or the guidance of facial development, are essential to their practice.

Considerations

• When choosing an oral health professional, make sure you understand the scope of her training and experience. Choose a dentist who has graduated from an accredited dental school and an orthodontist who has completed a residency in a program approved by the American Dental Association.