Download Last Name First Name Last Name English III/ 1st Block 14 Dec. 2011

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First Name Last Name
English III/ 1st Block
14 Dec. 2011
Ms. Landon
The World of Orthodontics
The field of dentistry leads to many successful careers: General practitioner,
orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery and periodontics.
Orthodontics is a special field in dentistry that works on aligning teeth and facial features to help
them function properly. Orthodontists are a small part of the dentist industry only making six
percent of all dentists. To become a specialist in the sphere of orthodontics takes a rigorous
education, a willingness to work in mentally straining working conditions and long amounts of
experience. Acquiring all the assets to become an orthodontist may be long and laborious, but
pays off through gaining a successful business and lifestyle.
Education is a crucial part in the road to success to become orthodontist.
Orthodontists have to go through dental school in order to specialize in orthodontics. They must
first complete a pre-dental bachelors program (Career Cruising). Admission to dental school is
highly competitive depending on the school they attend , according to the American Dental
Association. Next, pre-dental graduates must then apply to a 4 year program of general dentistry
and must pass the Dental Admission Test. After dental school, a student must pass written and
practical state licensing exam in order to become a certified dentist. A dentist then will return for
an additional two years in specialization of orthodontics (Career Cruising). Chances for
scholarships to pre-dental schools are equivalent to any other major at the college the student is
attending, but scholarships for dental schools are limited to minorities and two-year dental
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students. Federal financial aid is also available. Over ninety percent of all dental students have to
borrow a loan to complete the additional years it takes of dental school and the specialty training
to become an orthodontist (American Dental Association). There are over fifty accredited dental
schools in the United States. There are two dental schools in the commonwealth of Kentucky, the
University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, both accredited by the American
Association.
Orthodontics is a mentally straining job not only because of studying the movement of a
person’s teeth but also the upkeep of their own business. Orthodontists use an array of
equipment, including: x-ray machines, drills, mouth mirrors, probes, brushes, lasers, plaster
molds, digital scanners, and of computer technology specially engineered for the dental work
field, according to the United Stated Bureau of Labor Statistics. They wear masks, gloves and
safety glasses to prevent from spreading and catching bacteria (USBLS).Orthodontists apply
pressure to the teeth by the use of metal and plastic molded braces to straighten and align teeth
into proper position. They can also use arch expanders at an early age to eliminate the need of
braces, retainers, metal and plastic, to maintain straight, aligned teeth after braces and at a late
age to correct crowding problems (USBLS). Most orthodontists are self-employed or are in
partnership with other orthodontists. Orthodontists employ receptionists, multiple hygienists,
consultants, and lab technicians. Team positions are often paid well and have flexible hours.
There are many open positions for team jobs and a high demand at many orthodontic and dental
offices (ADA). Successful orthodontic team makes a total net income of more than 1.25 million
dollars annually.
Like most other jobs, Orthodontists’ salary increases as they gain more experience. Their
hours in the office also decrease when gaining experience and age. Orthodontists work four to
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five days a week, and ocassionally weekends. Orthodontists hold thirty-five to fourty hour
weeks, eight hours a day, in their office and make an average of eighty dollars an hour. Entrylevel orthodontists work longer work days (USBLS). For most hours, orthodontists work with
their team to find what procedures they need to perform on their patients, while they spend a few
hours managing their office. They keep dental and orthodontic supplies in stock, market, and
pay their staff. Orthodontists in a year make an mean salary of $350,000 annually. Entry-level
orthodontists are paid a minimum of $100,000 per year and experience orthodontists earn
$400,000 (Career Cruising).
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Works Cited
"AAO | Braces | Myths and Facts About Orthodontics and Braces." American Association of
Orthodontists | Braces | Teeth Straightening Experts. Web. 02 Dec. 2011.
<http://www.braces.org/mythsandfacts/index.cfm>.
"Current and Future Dental Students - American Dental Association - ADA.org." Home American Dental Association - ADA.org. Web. 02 Dec. 2011.
"Dentists."
U.S.
Bureau
of
Labor
Statistics.
Web.
02
Dec.
2011.
Web.
02
Dec.
2011.
<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos072.htm#outlook>.
"GenericError."
Welcome
to
Career
Cruising.
<https://www.careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetails.aspx?LoginID=5cb45f61-48104a32-9e09-14ece58219ec-2>.
Wortel, John P. "Orthodontics." World Book.