Undergraduate Education

• Aspiring orthodontists almost always have a bachelor's degree before entering medical school, although some programs allow you to complete the final years of your undergraduate schooling while beginning medical school. Dental schools require students to have taken many science courses in college, so students often choose to major in biology, chemistry or another science.
  
  

Dental School

• Dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). These scores are considered alongside recommendations and the applicant's undergraduate record. These programs generally last four years. They begin with introductory courses, and by the final years, students (under the supervision of dentists) will treat patients in dental clinics. Students graduate with a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DDM (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree; these two degrees are considered equivalent.
  
  

Orthodontics Specialty Programs

• After completing dental school, aspiring orthodontists must then complete an orthodontics program, which usually will award an M.S. degree. These programs teach the specifics of orthodontic practice, with the same progression from research and basic training to clinic work as dental school. Earning an M.S. in an orthodontics program typically takes two or three years.
  
  

Certification

• Orthodontists must study to pass the National Board Dental Examinations, as well as any further tests required by their state. These tests require graduation from an accredited dental school as well as experience practicing dentistry. Other optional certifications exist as well, including those administered by the National Board of Orthodontics and the American Board of Orthodontics.
  
  

Continuing Education

• Many orthodontists choose to attend continuing education programs in order to remain competitive and up-to-date with new developments in the world of orthodontics. The American Association of Orthodontics offers many seminars and courses, both online and in-person, as well as an annual conference. Manufacturers of orthodontic products also hold training sessions to promote their products.