What You Need To Know Before You Decide To Become An Orthodontist?

01 February 2024

How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist?

In actuality, orthodontists undergo specialized training that qualifies them as specialists in tooth straightening. They must complete two to three additional years of coursework. Then, they can become an orthodontist and obtain a certification in orthodontic care. Orthodontists treat a wide range of dental alignment problems, commonly referred to as “malocclusion.” This comes after receiving their license and certification.

For patients of all ages, they employ precise clinical techniques to align teeth safely and effectively and create healthier dental structures. If you’ve ever received orthodontic treatment, you’ve probably seen the amazing outcomes these skilled medical practitioners help you achieve.

Even though becoming an orthodontist is a difficult, competitive, and costly career path, orthodontists benefit from high pay, excellent work-life balance, and a welcoming, social, teamwork-based environment.

Are you interested in this field? Do you want to know how long does it take to become an orthodontist? Keep reading to learn how to work in this area of medicine.

How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist?

The study that goes into orthodontics is pretty massive, and it remains a lifelong process. Orthodontists take up a subject that costs an incredible sum but pays too well in the long run. If you are curious as to how long it takes to become an orthodontist, you are not alone.

Education And Training Requirements

In order to become an orthodontist, there are levels that need to be crossed. Here, we are discussing it in detail. This should give you an idea of how long it take to become an orthodontist.

Finish Dental School To Become Licensed

In order to become an orthodontist, one must first earn a doctorate in dentistry and obtain certification as a dentist. You must complete a bachelor’s degree (though some colleges offer a combined degree program) in order to get admission to a dental school. You will also need a passing score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

Like medical schools, dental schools are extremely demanding and competitive. Additionally, they are expensive. Depending on the program, a dental school degree can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000.

Fortunately, the majority of dental professionals discover that the expense of school eventually pays off because dentist as well as orthodontist have high salaries. According to the U.S. News, dentists make a median salary of $151,850, while an orthodontist’s salary is $208,000.

A doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctor of dental medicine (DMD) are the two categories of doctorates. Depending on your program, the distinction may exist, but you can practice dentistry with either certification.

Dental schools typically offer four-year degrees. Typically, the first two years go by in a classroom, studying topics like oral pathology, anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and radiology. Students will study under a licensed dentist for the next two years in order to gain experience treating patients in a clinical setting.

Orthodontic Residency

In their final year of dental school, prospective orthodontists apply to orthodontic residencies; upon earning their DDS or DMD, they will become certified dentists and be eligible to start an orthodontic residency.

In addition to taking and passing the National Board Dental Examination, dentists who choose not to pursue further education must also fulfill their state’s licensing requirements before they can start practicing. Although dentists are still capable of providing orthodontic treatment, they lack training in this area specifically. As a result, the majority of dentists working today are registered orthodontists who have finished a residency. The term “orthodontist” is exclusive to those dentists.

An orthodontic residency is your next step when becoming a licensed orthodontist for those who want to work as full-time practitioners of orthodontics. It is often attached to a university.

How To Get Into An Orthodontic Residency Program?

It’s tough to get into an orthodontic residency. Only one spot is available for every fifteen applicants, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. The best method to secure a spot in an orthodontic residency is to graduate in the top percentage of your dental school class. A prospective orthodontist may submit multiple applications before being admitted to a program.

The National Board Dental Examination is the national licensing exam that dentists must pass in order to be eligible to apply to most residency programs. Unless you failed the exam and had to retake it before applying to schools, you won’t need to take a break between dental school and your orthodontic residency because this exam is valid during dental school.

The American Association of Orthodontists’ database has a list of orthodontic residencies that have received CODA accreditation. Both the United States and Canada offer the programs on this list. Most states accept orthodontic training from Canada. However, individuals who have received orthodontic training abroad will probably need to retake their studies in the United States. That, if they want to practice dentistry or orthodontics there.

Residency programs range from 3-5 years, depending on the organization. Orthodontists receive extensive training in both the art and science of orthodontia during their residency. They learn about the proper alignment of dental, jaw, and facial mold, as well as how to move teeth in a safe and effective manner.

How many years does it take to become an orthodontist, you ask? Their time learning the science is much shorter than their time in practice. Orthodontists who complete a residency program will have treated hundreds of patients, providing them with extensive knowledge in this field.

Salary Of Orthodontics

While some orthodontic residencies don’t charge their residents, others do. If they do have compensation, it usually takes the shape of a stipend, which is a modest yearly sum used to pay for conference travel or some other necessities. Compared to university residencies, hospital residencies are more likely to provide a stipend.

Due to its exceptional location and exceptionally high stipend (first-year residents earn over $51,000), this program is highly competitive.

For example, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.. This program provides top-notch training along with a $60,000 stipend for the duration of the residency.

Getting The License

You will be qualified to begin orthodontic practice after completing an orthodontic residency successfully. In order to accomplish this, you need to have fulfilled both the state licensing requirements in the state in which you plan to practice dentistry and the national dental board exam. Like dentists, orthodontists must meet the same licensing requirements.

Orthodontists have the option of earning board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), though practice in the United States does not require board certification (only in Canada does). Written and clinical exams are required for orthodontic board certification. Visit the American Board of Orthodontics website to find out more about obtaining board certification.

Before starting their residency, the majority of orthodontists had already passed the National Board Dental Examination. Throughout their careers, all practicing medical professionals are required to recertify and complete continuing education requirements.

States have different requirements for licensing, but most of them ask you to pass a “jurisprudence exam,” which measures your familiarity with the dental laws of that state. The state-by-state licensures database maintained by the American Dental Association provides information on dental licensing requirements in each state. Additional clinical exams or requirements may apply.

Staying Licensed

Just like all other medical professionals, orthodontists must maintain current licensures through regular recertification and continuing education.

Dentists and orthodontists are required by law to complete 40 hours of professional education annually in most states. In order to give their patients the best possible care, dental professionals are kept up to date on the most recent clinical and research advancements in their fields. The requirements for renewing a dental license vary by state; for more information on how to maintain your license current, contact the dental board in your state.

Wrapping Up

So, how long does it take to become an orthodontist? Residency programs vary in length, from three years to five years. Throughout their residency, orthodontists learn from experts in the field to ensure safe and efficient advancement.

It provides them with a thorough understanding of this specialty. This entails staying updated about conducting clinical examinations, obtaining and analyzing diagnostic records, providing appropriate direction for dentofacial orthopedics, etc.

Key traits that an orthodontist should have include patience, effective written and verbal communication, and the capacity to clarify difficult ideas. These come in handy when dealing with children and teenagers, who make up the bulk of orthodontic patients.

You need to apply for and obtain a separate orthodontics license from your national registering body or dental board in addition to your dentist license. It might call for passing a test. After earning your orthodontics degree and license, you can easily find employment or open your own practice!If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how long does it take to become an orthodontist, ask us below. We would love to hear from you!

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How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Skills, Qualifications, Education, And More

How to become a radiology tech? You can start your career by getting an associate degree in radiology. However, if you get an advanced degree, you can qualify for leadership roles. Then, you must consider specializing in a radiology area. Moreover, you must earn a certification from ARRT if you want to get a state license. In this article, you will learn about how to become a radiology tech and pursue a career in the field. This article also guides you through the factors you must consider as you prepare to become a radiology tech. Finally, you will get a step-by-step guide on pursuing a career as a radiology tech. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. How to Become a Radiology Tech? – A General Overview Generally, a radiology tech performs important diagnostic imaging procedures. Also, they perform scans to get a better idea of a patient’s health condition. This helps radiologists and physicians better. If this job seems interesting to you, you must consider pursuing a career as a radiology tech. However, you must understand the different requirements for becoming a radiology tech. This can help you successfully land a job at a reputed place. A radiology tech is a healthcare professional who helps in finding out health issues with patients. If you become a radiology tech, you have to operate X-rays and other medical imaging tech to find out problems. Moreover, you will have other duties as well. For instance, you might need to explain radiology procedures to patients and handle complex imaging machines. Moreover, you also need to ensure the compliance of safety protocols. According to the US Bureau of Labor Survey, the average radiology tech salary is $73,410 (2023 data). Moreover, you will have better-earning potential with some radiology tech specializations like MRI scanning, nuclear medicine, radiation therapists, etc. Radiology Tech Specializations Once you pursue a career as a radiology tech, you must have one or more specializations. Some specializations include: Medical Imaging like X-rays, CT Scans, MRI, and mammography Nuclear Medicine To become a radiologist technician, you must complete a high school diploma and then pursue a radiology program. Then, after you choose your specialization, you must get a radiographer certification. After that, you can prepare your resume and then apply for jobs. How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Factors To Consider If you want a service in the healthcare industry and also want plenty of contact with patients, you will enjoy a career as a radiology tech. In fact, to start working, you just need an associate degree in radiology or a similar field. However, if you want early success in this career, you must have an eye for detail. Also, having good math and technical skills will help you grow a lot. Apart from that, you need to show a compassionate outlook. On the other hand, this is actually a physically demanding job. Apart from that, this field is constantly evolving. Hence, if you have more stamina than others and you can adapt to different conditions, you can succeed in this job. The following are the major factors you must consider if you want to know how to become a radiology tech: Radiology Tech Job Description As a radiographer, you might practice radiography or specialize in different medical imaging techniques. Actually, you have to work with doctors and radiologists to produce images of patients’s organs. The following are some of the major tasks you will need to do as a radiology tech: Prepare patients for radiology tests. Also, you must explain the procedure to them and make them remove metal objects from their body. Perform tests like X-ray exams, mammograms, MRI scans, etc. Sometimes, you must review patient histories, doctor reports, charts, etc. Position patients and align them with machines. Additionally, you must calibrate machines to accurately produce images. Moreover, you must follow safety protocols and shielding devices. This way, you can save yourself, patients, and other coworkers from harmful radiation. You must check the clarity of images and explain them to doctors in your team. Since you know the correct procedure to use equipment, you need to sterilize and store imaging equipment accordingly. You must control radiology tech equipment in such a way as to produce accurate images with enough density and detail. Stay updated about radiation equipment and its safety measures. Also, you must learn how to use protection devices. You must have basic information about state and federal regulations and the policies of medical institutions. This way, you can ensure compliance with those regulations and policies. Radiology Technician (Xray Tech) Specializations Here are the major specializations of a radiology tech out of which you need to choose yours: X-rays Computed tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Sonography Bone densitometry Nuclear medicine Vascular interventional radiography Mammography Cardiac-interventional radiography Essential Qualifications And Education To become a radiology tech, you can take different educational approaches. This is because there are several pathways to explore. The following are some of the most popular options to consider: 🎓LXMO Certificates You need almost a year to complete LXMO certificates. Basically, with the help of these certifications, you can quickly become a radiology tech. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. For instance, if you have something less than an associate degree, you cannot earn an ARRT certificate. As a result, you will not qualify for a radiology tech license in some states. 🎓Associate Degrees Generally, associate programs are for two years. Once you complete them, you can get a good exposure to radiology technology. Apart from that, these programs also include hands-on clinical experience and general education classes. 🎓Practitioner Certificates A degree course takes a lot of time and effort. Hence, radiology tech expands their qualification by earning certificates with specializations. However, these certificates are for practicing individuals and not starters in the field. 🎓Bachelor’s Degree A four-year degree in radiology technology will give you a deep dive into medical imaging. Also, you can develop a big picture in the radiology field. Also, you will gain various communication and analytical skills. Hence, you will be ready for managerial and supervisory roles. 🎓Master’s Degree If you want to pursue further studies in the field of radiology technology, a Master’s Degree is the way forward. This will prepare you to pursue extensive knowledge in the subject. Also, you can be prepared for leadership and advanced practice. Moreover, you will have a chance to become a registered radiologist assistant. How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Steps To Follow To become a radiology tech, follow the steps below: 1. Pass a Diploma or an Equivalent Program Here, you just need to earn a high school diploma or the GED test. Moreover, you will benefit from taking classes in the PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology). Once you have a solid background in these subjects, you will have a better understanding of radiology and its technologies. Moreover, you can consider volunteering at a healthcare center. This will help you understand the work environment. 2. Complete an Accredited Radiology Program Many medical facilities and employers look for radiology tech with formal education and certification. Hence, you must pursue a hospital-based or college-based program with JRCERT accreditation. Hence, you must consider getting a two-year associate degree in radiology tech. This will ensure you an entry-level position. However, for supervisory and administrative roles, you might need a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree. After getting your specialization, you must complete your clinical training at a major hospital or a diagnostic center. This will help you to get placements after you complete your training. 3. Earn A Certification To start working, you have to show a state board license along with an ARRT certification. However, to get this certification, you must have a Bachelor’s degree. Also, you must meet the ethical requirements of this certification. Moreover, to maintain your certification, you must complete various continuing education courses in radiology and radiography. Furthermore, you can also choose advanced training as you complete the former. 4. Prepare Your Resume And Apply For Jobs With the help of an effective resume, you can improve your chances of securing an interview. However, make sure you get tips on your resume from a professional. Additionally, ensure your resume is concise and has a professional summary of why you are the right person for the job. Apart from that, your resume must also contain brief details about your skills, experience, and educational background. Moreover, you must also ensure that your resume is tailored to your job requirements. Land Your Radiology Tech Job Now You now know how to become a radiology tech. You have seen that these professionals perform multiple medical imaging procedures, CT scans, and X-rays. However, as a radiology tech, you will be working with medical teams consisting of doctors, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Hence, consider working on your communication skills. Do you have more suggestions on how to become a radiology tech? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: Copywriting Jobs 101: Essential Steps To Become A Copywriter In Demand Jobs 2024: 11 Roles That Are Skyrocketing In The Job Market

Dos And Donts For Nurses Who Aspire To Succeed

Nursing is a gratifying profession. It is full of opportunities to serve the patients and make a difference for them. However, it is a vastly complex career that can be challenging to manage and full of stress. A nurse has so many things on their to-do list and so many things to avoid. The transition from a nursing school to a full-time job can be challenging and overwhelming for some individuals. Hence nurses require excellent critical thinking and coping skills to work under pressure. Individuals who choose nursing as their profession are generally kind at heart and responsible by nature. But once you are on the job, you'll soon learn the importance of being organized. There won't be any time for you to run back and forth and hunt for supplies or a pen. Under such a situation, it is easy to get distracted or vexed and forget about your responsibility of holistic care. Hence, being a nurse is not a piece of cake. But don't worry; to keep your head at work, we have you covered. Whether you're a rookie or a grizzled nurse, we have compiled a list of some critical dos and don'ts for a nurse who aspires to succeed. So read on and learn with us: What a nurse should do: 1. Consider continuous education: The best practice for any professional is to seek opportunities throughout their career. As you advance in your role as a nurse, you will discover different aspects of nursing that inspire you. So why not use this curiosity to your advantage and pursue higher education, seminars, certifications, etc.? However, several prestigious universities now offer online programs to fit your busy schedule. Did you know that online rn to MSN pmhnp programs, MSN-FNP programs, MSc, and Ph.D. programs are available? Hence, you can quickly pursue these post-graduation degrees to be competitive in the job market. 2. Listen to the patients: Listening to someone is an actual art. A good nurse listens to what the patient says, extracts the diagnosis, and defines a definite treatment. They have the skill to read between the lines and make a difference. A nurse's job is to make appropriate judgments about what they see and hear. So try to follow the holistic approach of care and create a professional assessment of what the patient is trying to explain as it impacts the treatment. 3. Clarify anything they are unsure of: Poor communication has always led to medical errors and low morale. This, in turn, leads to high stress and lower job satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential to ask questions and clarify your doubts regarding any medication or procedure. Asking questions helps you gain confidence in what you are doing. It refreshes your memory. But ensure you are clear about the instructions. If the answer doesn't seem right, ask about it again but in a different way. 4. Support the team members: A successful patient's treatment requires collaboration between the health care professionals and the practitioners. With this, try to be supportive of your fellow nurses. Be willing to work on undesirable shifts and gain respect. So when you foster a professional relationship with your colleagues, it helps you streamline your workflow, especially during busy days. What a nurse should avoid: 1. Don't say no to a patient: It is similar to anybody refusing a customer, saying that is not part of my job. So when it comes to a patient, you are the care provider and a representative of the healthcare team. A person in pain is not in the state of hearing; you say that you can't help them because your shift is over or another nurse's duty. Be empathetic and listen to them. Be polite and tell them that you are not assigned to care today; however, you will try to find the information or find someone who will help them out. 2. Don't feel ashamed in asking for help: As a new nurse, everyone tries to do as much as possible on their own. If you begin to drown, don't nurture hope that anyone will see and jump in to save you. Remember, asking for help is not shameful. Everyone has been through this. But keep in mind that there is a right way to ask for help. Try to be kind and express gratitude when you ask. Communicate in a way that doesn't make the other nurse think you are trying to pass on your job. 3. Don't disparage other professionals or organizations: Speaking ill of others is never appreciated, whether in a social setup or a professional organization. In reality, the person who does this is likely to be looked at more negatively. So if you have any conflict with anyone, it is better to deal with the matter privately. 4. Don't neglect yourself: When the career begins, we all are super excited and enthusiastic. And it is easy to live and breathe nursing. Even when you are not at work, it is part of human nature that you are worried about being more organized. However, strive for a balance and take out some time for yourself. Add some fun and exercise to your daily routine. Practicing self-care is essential to relieve workplace burnout. A take-home message: Starting a new profession is always exciting. But without the right nursing degree and license in your hand, you are not ready for the complicated world of the health care system. A nursing school does not teach you everything, while day-to-day experiences and tough times will teach you better than anyone else. However, by following the stated dos and don'ts, you can look back on how far you have come every month. It won't be long when you are one of those experienced and successful nurses who will help the fresh graduates, remembering how it was for you at that time. Read Also: Why Are People Turning To Online Pharmacists? Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out

The Challenges Of Being A C-Suite Executive And How To Overcome Them

C-suite leadership is a challenging position. The top executives are responsible for setting an organization's strategic direction and ensuring its long-term success. The prestige of a top leader comes with high salaries and a seat at the table for major business decisions. However, this prestige comes with unexpected stresses. This stress can impact personal and professional life if not managed properly. A PwC 2018 CEO survey found that 83% of new CEOs get internal promotion to their role. However, those hired for CEO jobs from outside the company often receive more attention and support during their transition. Therefore, companies often overlook the challenges associated with their ascension. Similarly, despite the challenges, these individuals differ in character from those brought in from outside. By addressing and overcoming these challenges, C-suite leaders can ensure the success of their organizations. C-Suite Jobs: How To Overcome The Challenges? Given below are some of the stressful challenges faced by most CEOs around the world and how you can overcome them— 1. Fighting Off The Imposter Syndrome Making it to the C-suite is challenging. It comes with the constant pressure to perform and meet targets. Hence, it is stressful, especially during times of crisis or uncertainty. Moreover, being accountable for your team's and the entire organization's actions can sit heavy on your shoulders. Consequently, one common feeling in the C-suite is imposter syndrome. Here, an individual doubts their accomplishments and fears being accused of fraud. This can lead to feelings of not belonging or not qualified for the position. The intense scrutiny of a high-profile position can make it challenging to take risks or try new approaches. This can stifle innovative leaders. It often makes the individual feel like they are not just a team member anymore but are now in charge. Therefore, you must focus on your accomplishments to address imposter syndrome or any form of self-doubt. Remind yourself of your expertise, and seek support from a mentor or coach to cultivate self-compassion. Moreover, as a leader in an organization, you must let go of unrealistic expectations or perfectionism. 2. Dealing With The Lack Of Clarity The upper management often tends to assume that everything is running smoothly. However, they only realize the issues when it is too late. This happens due to a lack of visibility and clarity in the company's day-to-day operations. The C-suite executives rely on information from department heads and middle managers. This can distort or filter reality, leading to an inaccurate view of reality or complex and unclear information. Therefore, it can create significant problems that go unnoticed until too late. To improve data-driven decision-making, organizations should visualize their business and its layers, maintain data reliability and integrity, and promote faster data-driven decision-making. A data strategy tailored to the company's needs helps achieve data clarity. It ensures the integrity of the data used to inform key business decisions. Finally, consolidating business data and promoting the sharing of insights across teams can help leaders ensure data clarity and the accuracy of their decisions. 3. Preventing Ego To Distort Clarity In the business world, success can sometimes lead to complacency within the C-Suite, creating a false sense of security and impeding adaptation to changing market conditions or new technologies. This can result in groupthink. Here, dissenting opinions get suppressed, stifling critical analysis. Thus, it makes the C-Suite blind to potential risks and challenges. Organizations should embrace digital transformation and leverage disruption to ensure long-term success and competitiveness. According to 83% of project managers, digital transformation has moderately or significantly impacted their work over the past five years. Therefore, organizations should adopt an agile approach to project management. They must continuously evaluate shifting market dynamics, new technologies, and innovation to deliver against strategy. 4. Lacking Farsightedness C-suite executives often prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This attitude can lead to decisions that harm the company in the long run. Such decisions can result in insufficient investment in critical areas like research and development. However, these are essential for the business's long-term health. Moreover, a CEO solely focused on short-term profits may refrain from investing in new technology. The ever-evolving technology can help companies remain competitive in the long run. Therefore, such organizations prioritize investment in developing strategy over proper execution. However, there appears to be a disconnect between executive leaders and project managers on strategy implementation funding. This suggests organizations may not leverage the optimum focus and investment to deliver against strategy. 5. Fighting Loneliness And Isolation The C-suite often faces unexpected stress due to the isolation it often brings. Top leaders often make difficult decisions that impact many people's lives but with limited support or input from others. This isolation can amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can further exacerbate stress and anxiety. Moreover, maintaining relationships outside of work can become challenging, and the pressure to always be "on" is exhausting. Therefore, leaders should acknowledge their need for support, seek an executive coach, or join a mastermind group with diverse leaders to overcome this isolation. Moreover, prioritizing finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial. You must let your team know they are human. This helps build trust and allows them to feel comfortable sharing with turn. 6. Accepting The Shift From A Peer To The Boss When CEOs are promoted from within the company, they often find themselves leading colleagues who were once their peers or superiors. This is a particularly tricky situation. Consequently, lingering tensions or resentments can complicate the new leader's job. In addition, the CEO must quickly assess all direct reports and stakeholders, building their team and reenlisting people they want to keep through early conversations. This process requires careful consideration and judgment, as the new leader must determine which team members are best suited for their roles and which may need to be replaced. Through this process, new leaders can establish themselves as effective managers and confidently navigate the challenges of their new roles. 7. Organize Yourself For The New Role It is common for CEOs who are promoted from within a company to face challenges when transitioning to their new roles. On the other hand, externally hired CEOs tend to receive more support. However, providing equal opportunities for all CEOs to succeed is essential. The board, senior management team, HR executives, and communications executives are vital in this process. Therefore, a newly promoted CEO should understand their challenges and develop a plan to overcome them with organizational support to lead effectively. Read Also: An Overview Of Adaptive Leadership Top 10 Best Job-Boards In The US In 2023: A Comprehensive Guide Develop Your Organizational Leadership Skills with an Associates of Science Degree

What You Need To Know Before You Decide To Become An Orthodontist?

How Long Does It Take To Become An Orthodontist?