Orthodontist Training: Education and Residency Requirements

An orthodontist is a dentist who has had additional specialized training in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental irregularities and malocclusions (bad bites). After completing a bachelor's degree, dental school and general dentistry residency, an orthodontist must complete an additional 2-3 years of training in an accredited orthodontic residency program. This training typically includes coursework, clinical experience, and research in orthodontics and other related fields, such as oral surgery and pediatric dentistry.