Career comparison
Dentist vs. Orthodontist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Orthodontists earn more at the median ($289,140 vs. $170,950), while dentists usually get to work faster (8 years after high school of training). Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth, gums and the mouth. Orthodontists straighten teeth and correct bites with braces and aligners.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Dentist | Orthodontist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $170,950 ($82.19/hr) | $289,140 ($139.01/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $86,250 – $319,630 | $99,850 – $416,000 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.7% (faster than average) | +6.0% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 4,200 | 200 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | 8 years after high school | 10–11 years after high school |
| Key credential | State dental license | American Board of Orthodontics certification |
| Work setting | Dentists work in private offices, group practices, clinics, hospitals and public health programs.. | Orthodontists work in private offices, often with several chairs and assistants.. |
What each job does
Dentist
- Examine teeth, gums and mouth
- Take and read dental X-rays
- Fill cavities and repair teeth
- Place crowns, bridges and implants
- Extract teeth
Orthodontist
- Examine teeth and jaw alignment
- Take X-rays, photos and scans
- Design treatment plans
- Place braces and appliances
- Prescribe clear aligners
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high-pay, hands-on work, indoor work, and working with people. Both are part of the healthcare field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose dentist if…
- I have steady, skilled hands
- I love science
- I want to own a practice
Choose orthodontist if…
- I like precise hand work
- I enjoy working with kids and teens
- I want regular hours
Still torn? Take the Dentist fit quiz and the Orthodontist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, dentist or orthodontist?
Orthodontists earn more at the median: $289,140 versus $170,950 for dentists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Dentists typically train faster (8 years after high school) than orthodontists (10–11 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects orthodontists to grow +6.0% from 2025–35, compared with +5.7% for dentists.