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Braces, aligners, cleanings, fillings. Many people see both a dentist and an orthodontist growing up, and it is easy to blur the two roles together. If you are thinking about a career in dentistry, the difference matters. It shapes how long you train, what you do each day, and which patients you see most.
This guide compares orthodontist vs dentist careers side by side. You will learn what each professional does, how to become an orthodontist after dental school, and what daily work looks like in each role. You will also find questions to help you decide which path fits your goals, plus simple ways to explore both before you commit.
Orthodontist vs dentist: what each one does
General dentists care for the overall health of teeth, gums, and the mouth. They examine patients, read x-rays, fill cavities, repair or remove damaged teeth, and teach patients how to prevent problems. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that most dentists work in dental offices, and some run their own practice.
Orthodontists are dental specialists. The American Association of Orthodontists describes them as specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. In practice, that means aligning teeth and jaws with braces, aligners, retainers, and other appliances.
Every orthodontist is a dentist first. Only some dentists go on to specialize in orthodontics. To see the full range of specialties, read our guide to dental specialties.
How to become an orthodontist
The path starts the same way for both careers:
- Complete a bachelor's degree with dental school prerequisites.
- Take the Dental Admission Test and apply to dental school.
- Complete dental school, usually four years, and earn a DDS or DMD.
Future orthodontists then add one more major step. According to the AAO, they complete a two-to-three-year accredited orthodontic residency after dental school. Residency programs are competitive, so students often start building strong grades, research experience, and mentor relationships during dental school.
In total, becoming an orthodontist usually takes several more years than becoming a general dentist. That extra time affects cost and when you start working, so plan for it early. To map the steps before dental school, read our pre-dental timeline.
The early steps are the same for both careers. Strong study habits, varied experience in dental settings, and good relationships with mentors help in either path. If you later choose orthodontics, the habits you build in college will carry into residency applications.
How pay and job settings compare
Specialists tend to earn more than general dentists. The BLS publishes wage estimates for orthodontists separately from general dentists, and its figures place orthodontists among the higher-paid occupations it tracks. Pay varies by location, practice type, and experience, so treat any single number as a starting point.
The settings differ too. Many orthodontists work in practices that focus only on orthodontics. General dentists may work in private practices, community health centers, hospitals, or public health programs.
Which path fits you better?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you enjoy variety or focus? General dentists handle many kinds of problems. Orthodontists go deep on one area.
- How long do you want to train? Specialization adds years of study after dental school.
- Who do you want to work with? Orthodontists often see many children and teens. General dentists see patients of all ages.
- What kind of relationship with patients appeals to you? Orthodontic treatment often lasts months or years, so orthodontists follow the same patients over time.
You do not need to decide now. Most students choose a specialty during or after dental school. For another comparison, read our guide to dentistry vs dental hygiene.
Explore both paths early
Shadowing is the best way to compare careers. Ask to observe a general dentist and an orthodontist for a few days each. Notice what they enjoy, what challenges them, and how they talk with patients.
A dental service learning trip is another way to see dental work up close. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities. Seeing a wide range of care can help you notice which work draws you in.
Explore your future in dentistry
Every orthodontist starts as a dentist, and every dentist starts by exploring the field. If you want to learn alongside dental professionals and partner communities, Smiles Movement can help. Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs and trip dates.
Frequently asked questions about orthodontist vs dentist
Is an orthodontist a dentist?
Yes. Orthodontists complete dental school first. They then finish an accredited orthodontic residency to become specialists.
How many years does it take to become an orthodontist?
Most orthodontists complete a bachelor's degree, about four years of dental school, and a two-to-three-year orthodontic residency.
Can a general dentist offer braces or aligners?
Some general dentists offer limited orthodontic treatment. The AAO notes that orthodontists have more education and experience in orthodontic treatment than general dentists.