Everything You Need to Know About Becoming and Working as an Orthodontist in Texas
Orthodontics is a highly specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. For those living in Texas who are considering a career in orthodontics or are curious about the field, here’s a detailed guide addressing common questions about the profession, education, salaries, and more.
What Is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist trained to correct misaligned teeth and jaw structures. They provide treatments such as braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign and Angel Aligners), retainers, and other corrective devices to improve oral health and aesthetics. Orthodontists play a crucial role in ensuring that patients have properly aligned teeth for better chewing, speech, and confidence.
At Elate Orthodontics, our expert orthodontists serve the communities of The Colony, Frisco, and Prosper, providing top-notch orthodontic care at multiple convenient locations.
Are Orthodontists Doctors?
Yes, orthodontists are doctors of dental medicine (DMD) or dental surgery (DDS). After completing dental school, orthodontists must undergo an additional 2-3 years of residency in orthodontics to gain expertise in this field.
What Do Orthodontists Do?
Orthodontists perform various tasks, including:
- Diagnosing and treating bite irregularities, overcrowding, and misalignment
- Fitting and adjusting braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances
- Monitoring treatment progress to ensure optimal results
- Educating patients on oral hygiene and proper care for orthodontic devices
Our blog post on choosing between braces and Invisalign explains more about common orthodontic treatment options.
How to Become an Orthodontist in Texas
Becoming an orthodontist in Texas involves a significant educational commitment. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Focus on pre-dental courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT): This exam assesses your readiness for dental school.
- Complete Dental School: Earn a DDS or DMD degree over four years at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Texas is home to several highly regarded dental schools, including the Texas A&M School of Dentistry and The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston.
- Complete an Orthodontic Residency: Specialize in orthodontics with an additional 2-3 years of residency training.
- Obtain Licensure: Pass the National Board Dental Examination and fulfill Texas licensing requirements through the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
The entire process typically takes about 10-11 years after high school.
Is Orthodontic School Hard to Get Into?
Orthodontic residency programs are highly competitive. Applicants must have excellent academic performance in dental school, strong DAT scores, and relevant clinical experience. Programs in Texas are no exception, often requiring top grades and extracurricular involvement in research or volunteer work.
How Much Do Orthodontists Make in Texas?
Orthodontists in Texas earn a competitive salary, with many earning between $220,000 and $400,000 per year depending on location, experience, and whether they own their practice. Urban areas such as Dallas, Austin, and Houston offer higher salary potential, but smaller communities also see strong demand and opportunities for growth.
How Much Do Orthodontists Make Per Hour?
In Texas, orthodontists can earn between $100 and $200 per hour, with hourly rates influenced by patient volume, location, and practice efficiency.
What Is the Least an Orthodontist Could Make?
Entry-level orthodontists in rural or underserved areas may start at around $100,000 to $150,000 annually. However, salaries increase significantly with experience and a growing patient base.
Are Orthodontists Self-Employed?
Yes, many orthodontists in Texas own and operate private practices. Others may work in hospitals, group practices, or academic settings. At Elate Orthodontics, we offer patient-centered care at three convenient locations, making it easy for Texans to access expert orthodontic services close to home.
What Does an Orthodontist Wear?
Orthodontists typically wear scrubs, lab coats, and protective gear such as gloves, masks, and eye protection to maintain hygiene and safety during procedures. In Texas, the hot climate may make lightweight, breathable scrubs a popular choice!
How Long Is Orthodontist School?
After earning a bachelor’s degree, dental school takes four years, followed by 2-3 years of orthodontic residency. In total, becoming an orthodontist requires about 10-11 years of post-secondary education.
Is a Doctorate Required to Be an Orthodontist?
Yes, orthodontists must earn a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) or dental medicine (DMD) before specializing in orthodontics.
How to Become an Orthodontist Assistant
Orthodontic assistants support orthodontists by preparing patients, taking X-rays, and managing orthodontic appliances. To become an orthodontic assistant in Texas, you typically need:\n\n1. High School Diploma: Basic requirement for entry-level positions.\n2. Dental Assisting Program: Completion of a certified dental assisting program.\n3. Certification: Obtain certification through exams such as the Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) credential.
How Much Does an Orthodontist Assistant Make in Texas?
Orthodontic assistants in Texas earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and practice type.
Does an Orthodontist Pull Teeth?
Orthodontists do not typically extract teeth. However, they may work with general dentists or oral surgeons to coordinate extractions if necessary for treatment.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Orthodontists in Texas?
Switching orthodontists may involve transfer fees or new consultation costs. If you’re considering a change, visit our Contact page to schedule a consultation at Elate Orthodontics.
What Hours Do Orthodontists Work?
Orthodontists often work standard business hours, Monday through Friday. However, practices like ours at Elate Orthodontics offer flexible scheduling options, including some evening and weekend appointments.
How Many Orthodontists Are There in Texas?
Texas has a growing number of orthodontists, particularly in major metropolitan areas. The demand for orthodontic care is increasing, driven by population growth and greater awareness of oral health.
Is Orthodontics a Good Career in Texas?
Yes! Orthodontics offers a rewarding career with high earning potential, job stability, and opportunities to positively impact patients’ lives. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, check out our Treatments page to learn more about your options.
For more information about our orthodontic services or to get started with treatment, explore our Finance Calculator or schedule a consultation through our Contact page.