Orthodontists
Orthodontists diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws using various appliances like braces and aligners. They work in private practices, dental clinics, and hospitals, examining patients, designing treatment plans, and monitoring progress over months or years to improve function and appearance.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against orthodontists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
An orthodontist's week includes patient consultations, taking X-rays and impressions, designing treatment plans, and adjusting braces or other appliances. Administrative tasks involve reviewing patient records, communicating with general dentists, and managing treatment timelines. Some time is spent fabricating or customizing appliances and staying current with new techniques and materials.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
People drawn to orthodontics typically enjoy investigative work—diagnosing problems and developing solutions—and hands-on, realistic tasks. They tend to be detail-oriented, comfortable with technical procedures, and interested in how biological systems function and respond to intervention.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $324,670 | $478,680 | $491,860 | — |
| Colorado | $416,000 | $416,000 | $520,000 | 160 |
| Maryland | $248,110 | $361,030 | $361,050 | — |
| Michigan | $259,940 | $357,090 | $389,940 | 140 |
| Illinois | $225,140 | $343,100 | $471,390 | — |
| Tennessee | $314,990 | $339,610 | $354,140 | — |
| Missouri | $332,630 | $332,630 | $332,630 | — |
| Montana | $115,290 | $312,840 | $348,650 | — |
| South Carolina | $218,080 | $311,450 | $377,370 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $311,180 | $311,180 | $311,280 | — |
| Maine | $182,010 | $301,250 | $323,460 | 60 |
| Washington | $290,430 | $290,430 | $290,440 | 290 |
All 19 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Board Certified Endodontist — American Association of Endodontists
- Fellow of the AAID — American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Associate Fellow of the AAID — American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- Certification in Orthodontics — American Board of Orthodontics
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against orthodontists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.