Job File: Orthodontist

Orthodontists play an essential role in the oral health sector. As a specialist, they focus on correcting malocclusions and dental anomalies, making a significant contribution to the well-being and self-confidence of their patients. Our orthodontist job description gives you all the information you need on this career choice.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental anomalies and facial deformities. He or she uses a variety of appliances and techniques to align teeth and jaws, improving oral esthetics and functionality.

Differences between an orthodontist and a dental surgeon

There are several ways in which an orthodontist differs from a dentist. While all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. The main task of a dentist is to look after oral health, whereas an orthodontist needs to specialize after training in dentistry to treat dental and jaw misalignments.

While dentists and orthodontists share a common foundation in dental training, their areas of specialization are different. Dentists are primarily concerned with their patients' general dental health, preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of common dental problems. Orthodontic specialists, on the other hand, focus exclusively on the correction of alignment and malocclusion problems, requiring additional specialized training.

Training and career paths to become an orthodontist

Before applying for a job as an orthodontist, the path to this career is long and full of study. For high school students wishing to become health professionals, the question arises: how do I become an orthodontist?

Education and qualifications

To qualify for a career in orthodontics, you must first obtain ascientificbaccalaureate . Indeed, future studies will require a solid grounding in scientific subjects such as science or biology.

After passing the baccalauréat, students must complete a first cycle comprising one year of Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS) or Licence Accès Santé (L.AS), two years of study in odontological sciences, followed by two years of advanced training in odontological sciences. They can also pursue these same studies abroad, at faculties in the European Union.

Finally, future orthodontists can complete their training through the internship system or private training. This will enable them to specialize fully in orthodontics and obtain the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Orthopédie Dento-Faciale (DESODF) or the Certificat d'Études Cliniques Spéciales Mention Orthodontie (CESMO).

In addition, orthodontic students can obtain their diploma in other European Union countries by completing a five-year course at a specialized university whose diploma is recognized by France.

Specializations in orthodontics

Orthodontics offers a number of sub-specializations, providing orthodontic specialistswith a wide range of career options:

• Pediatric orthodontics: deals specifically with children and adolescents.
• Adult orthodontics: takes into account the particularities of mature tooth structures.
• Specialized orthodontics: advanced techniques such as lingual orthodontics or invisible orthodontics, to which future orthodontists may turn.
• Aesthetic orthodontics: this specialization involves discreet or invisible braces.

Roles and responsibilities of the orthodontist

Orthodontists assess patients' tooth structure, diagnose malocclusions and alignment problems. This enables him/her to develop personalized treatment plans. He also supervises the application of various orthodontic appliances, and adjusts and monitors treatment progress. He also plays an important educational role, advising patients on best practices for maintaining optimal oral health during and after orthodontic treatment. Finally, they work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive, cross-disciplinary care.

Find out more about the academic background of this specialist in our orthodontist studies page!

Treatment of malocclusions and dental anomalies

Orthodontists treat misaligned teeth and jaws with fixed or removable appliances, such as braces, clear aligners or retainers.

These appliances apply controlled pressure to the teeth and jaws, gradually guiding them into their optimal position. The orthodontist adjusts these appliances regularly to ensure effective treatment and patient comfort.

Modern orthodontic approaches and techniques

The orthodontic profession has evolved with the integration of advanced technologies, such as 3D imaging, robotics and invisible aligners, which offer more precise and comfortable treatment. What's more, accelerated treatment techniques such as micro-impulse stimulation reduce the time needed to achieve results.

Working environment and daily practice of an orthodontist

Orthodontists work in a wide variety of settings, including private practices, dental centers and hospitals. Here's a look at the day-to-day work of these specialists.

The different places of work

• Privatepractice : this is the preferred location for orthodontists, as they can choose their own equipment, working hours and team. They treat a wide range of cases, with a predominance of malocclusions. Customers seek aesthetic treatments or specific techniques. What's more, practitioners here develop a loyal patient base, as care is personalized and follow-up is regular. Practitioners enjoy greater freedom than elsewhere, and can set their own prices as they see fit. Extra fees are possible.
• Dental centers: these facilities are often located in densely populated areas. They treat a wide variety of cases, and have a higher patient flow than practices, which influences the frequency and duration of appointments. What's more, they are multi-disciplinary entities, and their equipment is generally shared. As sector 1 dental centers, they offer treatment at more affordable rates than practices, thanks to subsidized models that give patients on modest incomes access to quality care.
• Hospital: in this sector, orthodontists are rarer and cases more complex. Practitioners collaborate with other specialists to treat patients with severe malformations or developmental abnormalities. These facilities are generally better equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. Thanks to subsidies, underprivileged populations can obtain specific care.
• Medworking: this solution is a good compromise for orthodontists wishing to combine the freedom of independent practice with the advantages of salaried employment, as it enables practitioners to rent an entire functional workspace without having to invest a large sum of money at the outset, while simplifying the administrative burden to a minimum so that they can concentrate on the care they provide. What's more, rental rates depend on the time spent using the space and equipment, helping to reduce costs for the practitioner.

Tools and technologies used in orthodontics

On a day-to-day basis, orthodontists use a variety of tools and technologies, such as treatment planning software, intra-oral scanners, 3D printers for custom-made aligners and digital X-ray equipment. These technologies increase the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment.

In addition, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the field of orthodontics is progressing. For example, AllisoneAI (a French company!) gives orthodontists a responsive and educational radiographic analysis tool. This technology not only strengthens mutual trust between patient and practitioner, but also increases efficiency and adherence to treatment. It's a remarkable advance, and one that augurs well for the future.

Key skills and qualities required of an orthodontist

The key skills required of an orthodontist include technical precision, good vision, excellent planning ability and strong communication skills. Qualities such as empathy and patience are also essential to an orthodontist's ability to lead a team and interact effectively with patients.

In addition to general dentistry skills, an orthodontist must master techniques specific to orthodontics, such as precise appliance placement, dental movement planning and the use of advanced technologies.

Opportunities and prospects for an orthodontist

The dental field offers a wide range of opportunities, from private practice to teaching and research. An experienced orthodontist can progress to management positions, specialize in certain techniques, or even engage in teaching and research.

In France, demand for orthodontic services remains high, offering job stability and good career prospects. Increased awareness of the importance of oral health is contributing to this growth.

Salary of an orthodontist

An orthodontist's salary varies according to experience, region and type of practice. However, experienced orthodontists can expect high incomes, particularly in the private sector. Generally speaking, these specialists enjoy significant potential for financial growth over the course of their careers.

Salary scale and influencing factors

Orthodontic salaries vary according to a number of factors:

• Experience: as in all professions, orthodontists at the start of their careers generally earn lower salaries. As they gain experience and build up a loyal patient base, their salaries will automatically increase.
• Location: when setting up a practice, there are a number of criteria to take into account that will influence income. These include the standard of living of the local population, the rates charged by existing colleagues, and the population density, which will determine the flow of patients.
• Types of practice: as we saw earlier, orthodontists can work in very different conditions, depending on whether they are in private practice, a dental center or a hospital. These conditions will inevitably have an impact on their income. A self-employed orthodontist will generally earn more than a salaried orthodontist in a dental center.
• Technology: the use of modern, expensive equipment can increase the fees charged by the orthodontist's practice, thereby boosting his or her income.
• Reputation: the quality of the practitioner's work, if recognized by patients or peers, will necessarily influence his or her attractiveness and therefore income.

Want to find out more? Check out our orthodontist salary sheet!

Compare salaries by region

In France, orthodontic salaries vary from region to region. They are influenced by factors such as population density, standard of living, competition and demand for orthodontic services.

The regions where orthodontists enjoy the highest salaries are those with the greatest population density, because they offer a steady flow of patients. However, the level of competition can be higher, especially in larger urban areas. Finally, within the same city, people's standard of living can vary from one neighborhood to another, further modifying these data.

The regions with the highest averagesalaries orthodontists:

• Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Île-de-France
• Nouvelle-Aquitaine
• Occitanie
• Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Regions with the lowestaveragesalaries orthodontists:

• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Centre-Val de Loire
• Corsica
• Normandie
  

In conclusion, the profession of orthodontist is a demanding and rewarding medical specialty that combines technical skills, scientific knowledge and interpersonal skills. Orthodontists play a crucial role in improving patients' oral health and aesthetics. Thanks to technological advances and new treatment methods, this field offers increasingly effective solutions. Those who choose this career embark on a rigorous but rewarding training program.