Healthcare career

Orthodontist

Also called: Braces Specialist · Orthodontic Specialist · Dentofacial Orthopedist · Invisalign Provider

What orthodontists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an orthodontist do?

Orthodontists diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws, using braces, clear aligners, retainers and other appliances. The median pay is $289,140 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 10–11 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +6.0% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $289,140
    $139.01/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +6.0%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    200
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Doctoral or professional degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    10–11 years after high school
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    7,100
    Employment, 2025

What orthodontists do

Orthodontists straighten teeth and fix bites. They examine patients, take X-rays and scans, design treatment plans, place braces or prescribe clear aligners, adjust appliances over months or years, and fit retainers. Many patients are children and teens, but adults are a growing share.

Orthodontists are dentists who complete a two-to-three-year orthodontic residency. They usually work in private practices and are among the highest-paid professionals.

Typical duties

  • Examine teeth and jaw alignment
  • Take X-rays, photos and scans
  • Design treatment plans
  • Place braces and appliances
  • Prescribe clear aligners
  • Adjust appliances during treatment
  • Fit retainers

Work environment and schedule

Orthodontists work in private offices, often with several chairs and assistants.

Schedule: Most work full-time on weekdays, with some early morning or evening hours for students.

A day in the life

  1. Review new patient scans.
  2. Bond braces for a teenager.
  3. Do quick adjustment checks with assistants.
  4. Consult with parents about treatment options.

See a full day in the life of an orthodontist →

Orthodontist salary

Half of orthodontists earned more than $289,140 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $99,850 for the lowest 10% to $416,000 for the top 10%.

Full orthodontist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an orthodontist

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Complete dental school
  3. Complete orthodontic residency
  4. Earn board certification
  5. Practice

A dental degree (DDS or DMD) plus a 2–3 year accredited orthodontic residency is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an orthodontist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Orthodontic diagnosis
  • Biomechanics
  • Bracket placement
  • Aligner planning
  • Cephalometric analysis

People skills

  • Communication with families
  • Patience
  • Leadership
  • Attention to detail

All orthodontist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very high pay
  • Happy patients and visible results
  • Regular hours
  • Practice ownership

Cons

  • Long training
  • Business pressures
  • Repetitive procedures
  • High education costs

Certifications and licenses

  • American Board of Orthodontics certification: Board certification.
  • State dental license: Required.
  • Specialty license: Required in some states.
  • Aligner provider training: Company-specific.

Career path

  1. Orthodontic Resident: Train.
  2. Associate Orthodontist: Treat patients.
  3. Practice Owner: Run a practice.
  4. Faculty: Teach residents.

Learn the job before day one

Our Orthodontist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as bond braces and explain treatment to a family, safety and how to land your first job.

View Orthodontist trainingIs this career right for me?

Dentist

Diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums and the mouth.

  • $170,950
  • 8 years after high school

Dental Assistant

Prepare patients, assist the dentist chairside, take X-rays and sterilize instruments.

  • $48,070
  • 9–12 months

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Perform surgery on the mouth, jaws and face, from wisdom teeth to reconstruction.

  • $352,220
  • 12–14 years after high school

Prosthodontist

Restore and replace teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures and implants.

  • $311,180
  • 11 years after high school

Compare: Orthodontist vs. Dentist · Orthodontist vs. Dental Assistant · Orthodontist vs. Oral Surgeon · Orthodontist vs. Prosthodontist

Orthodontist FAQ

Are orthodontists dentists?

Yes, they’re dentists with 2–3 years of extra specialty training.

How long does treatment take?

Often 12–30 months, depending on the case.

Do adults get braces?

Yes, adults are a growing share of patients.

How much does an orthodontist make?

The median annual wage for orthodontists was $289,140 ($139.01 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $99,850 and the highest 10% earned more than $416,000.

How long does it take to become an orthodontist?

Most people need about 10–11 years after high school of training. A dental degree (DDS or DMD) plus a 2–3 year accredited orthodontic residency is required.

Do you need a degree to be an orthodontist?

Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More orthodontist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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