What is the difference between dentist and orthodontist

All dentists and orthodontists must complete a four to five year degree in dentistry at university before they can work as a dentist. For those dentists who want to complete the three year orthodontic specialist degree, they can return to university after their two years of clinical experience.

Only five universities in Australia offer orthodontic courses and all are accredited by the Australian Dental Council and reviewed by the Australian Society of Orthodontists. They also recognise the course offered by the University of Otago in New Zealand and New Zealand orthodontists can register and practice in Australia. Anyone can make an appointment to see an orthodontist. Even while undergoing treatment with your orthodontist, you need to keep up appointments your family dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned.

Watching your diet, brushing and flossing at least twice a day and visiting your dentist for a clean will help keep your teeth stain-free once your braces come off. Orthodontist Kew. Oral surgery comes in a few different forms but orthodontists rarely perform surgery. Some orthodontic patients need tooth extractions. Extractions are the most common type of surgery completed before orthodontic treatment begins.

For patients needing a tooth or teeth extracted before braces, their orthodontist will refer the patient to their general dentist or for more complex procedures, to an oral surgeon. Removing teeth can be in a dental surgery, day surgery or hospital depending on the extraction and patient. Surgery is often needed to uncover teeth jammed in the jaw impacted before they can have braces fitted.

Patients may be referred to a gum specialist periodontist or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for more complex patients. Oral and maxillofacial surgery is occasionally required to correct major structural problems of the jaws. Often the surgery is performed at various time points during the orthodontics depending on the type of problem that needs to be fixed.

Tower Dental is committed to providing exceptional dental care. If you require any orthodontic treatment please give us a call on 03 today. Orthodontists will often still work within a dental office and provide the same care as a dentist. They are also both considered doctors and both deal with issues regarding patients teeth and gums, whether this be health or aesthetics related. So what are the differences between the two?

Ultimately, the means in which they provide oral care is what separates these two areas of expertise:. The differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can be somewhat confusing to patients, therefore, this blog will establish what the difference between a dentist and orthodontist is. Whilst they both work within the same area of study and provide patients with a similar service regarding oral care, there are some very tangible differences between the two.

To become an orthodontist, additional schooling is typically required on top of standard dentistry training. A useful way to understand this is to compare it to how extra schooling is required by a doctor who wishes to become a surgeon.

To become an orthodontist, a further three year postgraduate course at Masters or Doctorate level must be completed, after the initial dentistry undergraduate degree. However, the route into orthodontistry is not easy nor is it always straightforward. This is because orthodontist training posts are very popular and sought after. Therefore, before a dentist can begin orthodontist training, they must first have evidence of working in restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry and maxillofacial surgery.

Orthodontists in training will be tested on specialist orthodontics theory while also gaining valuable experience by treating real patients in placement positions. Much of the knowledge and skills held by a dentist will also be held by an orthodontist, however, this may not always be the case the other way round. While some orthodontists will still provide more general dental care, dentists will typically provide services to solve issues regarding the following:.

A lot of people presume that the only difference between a dentist and orthodontist is that the latter administers and works with braces. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy. Sign up now. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox?

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Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Orthodontist Vs. Dentist: Who Should You See? Top Articles. Orthodontist vs. Dentist Training Orthodontists and dentists undertake the same training initially, but orthodontists complete further training after they graduate dental school.

What Do Dentists Do? What Do Orthodontists Do?