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Dentists and orthodontists are doctors who specialize in oral health. Doctors who study general dentistry are trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the gums, teeth, tongue, and mouth. Orthodontists also receive this training, but receive additional training to specialize in diagnosing and treating misalignments of the teeth and jaws.
Dentists are doctors of oral health. Typically, dentists study pre-dentistry or pre-medical fields before obtaining their dental license.
Like all doctors, dentists must undergo extensive training in their practice before becoming certified. Approximately 80% of dentists practice what is known as general dentistry.
Certified dentists can diagnose and treat oral health conditions of the teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. They can also clean your teeth, though dental hygienists typically perform this task.
Dentists provide the following care services:
Orthodontists are also doctors of oral health. Technically, they are a type of dentist specializing in teeth and jaw alignment.
Certified orthodontists are trained to diagnose and treat oral health conditions of the teeth, gums, and mouth. However, orthodontists usually focus on ensuring your teeth and jaws are properly aligned.
Orthodontists perform the following functions:
Dentists and orthodontists receive the same education initially. However, orthodontists must obtain an additional certification before practicing.
Typically, dentists earn a bachelor's degree in pre-dentistry or pre-medical fields before starting dental school.
Like all doctors, dentists must undergo rigorous training in their practice and complete an internship program to be certified. Certification requires passing a comprehensive exam.
Dentists spend the first two years of dental school in classroom and laboratory settings. In the last two years, they work with patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
After completing dental school, dentists must pass the National Dental Examination to become licensed professionals.
Orthodontists typically complete their pre-dental or pre-medical undergraduate education before attending dental school.
After completing dental school and passing the certification exam, orthodontists participate in an additional 2 to 3 years of orthodontic residency training to obtain their specialization certification in orthodontics.
Think of a dentist as a general practitioner and an orthodontist as a specialist. Most standard dental issues can be resolved with a visit to a dentist.
Tooth pain, cavities, tooth repair, and extractions can all be diagnosed and treated by your dentist. They can also treat gum disease, oral inflammation, and oral infections.
Sometimes your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. Conditions such as jaw misalignment, crowded teeth, and palate expansion may require the expertise of an orthodontist.
Additionally, it is recommended that all children be evaluated by an orthodontist before the age of 7 to determine if braces are needed. If you are an adult and believe you have a misaligned jaw or need teeth alignment, you might consider going directly to an orthodontist without seeing a dentist first.
In some cases, though covered under dental health, not all orthodontic care may be covered by insurance. A dentist is technically considered a specialist.
In conclusion, dentists and orthodontists are two types of doctors with broad practices in diagnosing and treating oral health conditions. Orthodontists perform some tasks that dentists do not.
Orthodontists receive additional training in areas such as placing braces and diagnosing jaw misalignments. If you are wondering whether you need to see an orthodontist, start by asking your dentist if a referral is necessary.
