Path to Orthodontics: Years of Education & Training

The educational path to becoming an orthodontist typically involves the following steps:

- Complete a bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field (4 years)

- Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

- Attend dental school, earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree (4 years)

- Complete a two- to three-year accredited orthodontic residency program, where you'll receive specialized training in orthodontics

So, it typically takes 10 to 11 years of education and training after high school to become an orthodontist.