Do you have to be an orthodontist's assistant before you become an orthodon!
Question: Do you have to be an orthodontist's assistant before you become an orthodontist?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
No, it is not a requirement. They are two completely different jobs.
Orthodontic assistants do not transition into becoming orthodontists. Orthodontic assistants do not need any schooling in the United States.
To become an orthodontist, you will need to take undergraduate courses in college to satisfy prerequisites for dental school. You will need to take the Dental Aptitude Test to apply for dental school as well. After completing the program, there are 2-3 year residency programs in orthodontics. Overall, after high school, you are looking at about 10 years of education at a minimum.
They are very different paths but have significant differences in salary and responsibilities.
I'm an orthodontist :)