How to become an orthodontist

CONTENTS

1. What is an orthodontist?

2. Routes to becoming an orthodontist

3. Registration and professional development

4. Skills you’ll need

5. Career options

6. What it’s like to work as an orthodontist

7. Salaries and working hours

8. Career progression

9. Is orthodontics right for you?

What is an orthodontist?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat irregularities of the teeth and jaws. This could be anything from straightening teeth, correcting bites and improving facial alignment. It’s a career that blends science, precision and creativity, but it also requires commitment. 

It usually takes at least eight years to qualify as an orthodontist. You’ll first train and register as a dentist, gain experience in general dentistry, and then complete a further three-year specialist training programme. It’s a long road, but for many, helping people gain confidence in their smiles makes it worthwhile. 

Routes to becoming an orthodontist

There’s only one official route to becoming an orthodontist in the UK, and it starts with a recognised dental degree. 

1. School qualifications 

To get into dental school, you’ll need strong grades. Most universities ask for at least five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English, maths and science. At A Level, you’ll usually need AAA to ABB or equivalent qualifications, including chemistry and biology. Some students take physics or maths as a third subject, but requirements vary slightly between universities.  

You could choose to study an initial degree such as biomedical or life sciences before applying to dentistry, but that’s not essential. 

Dentistry is a competitive and high-demand subject, and applications close earlier than most courses. You’ll need to submit your UCAS form by mid-October. Most dental schools also ask applicants to sit the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), and you’ll usually be invited to an interview, often in the form of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs).  

2. Dental degree (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) 

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is your essential first step. It’s a five year degree approved by the General Dental Council (GDC), that then allows you to practise as a dentist in the UK. 

You can study dentistry at universities including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, Glasgow, King’s College London, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Queen Mary University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, Sheffield and several others. Applications are made through UCAS, and interviews are competitive. 

During your degree you’ll study anatomy, physiology, pathology and dental materials, alongside extensive clinical placements where you treat patients under supervision. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready for GDC registration as a general dentist. 

3. General dentistry experience 

Before specialising, you’ll need a few years’ experience working as a dentist. Most orthodontists spend at least two years in general dental practice or hospital dentistry to build their clinical knowledge and patient management skills. 

Some undertake Dental Core Training (DCT), which provides structured rotations through hospital departments such as oral surgery, paediatric dentistry or restorative dentistry. This helps you develop a broader understanding of dental specialties before applying for orthodontic training. 

4. Orthodontic specialty training 

This is where you make the switch from general dentistry to orthodontics. Specialist orthodontic training lasts three years and combines academic study with hands-on clinical experience. 

You’ll typically enrol on a Master of Science (MSc) or Doctorate in Orthodontics at a recognised institution such as Barts and the London Dental Hospital, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, King’s College London, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, the UCL Eastman Dental Institute or Queen’s Belfast. 

Entry is through a national recruitment process via Oriel, and competition is fierce. Training takes place both at university and in NHS hospital orthodontic departments. You’ll be employed as a salaried NHS trainee (a Specialty Registrar in Orthodontics), although you’ll usually need to pay your university tuition fees yourself. 

Trainees learn advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques using braces, aligners and other appliances. You’ll treat real patients, manage complex cases and carry out research alongside your clinical work. 

5. Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) 

At the end of your specialty training you’ll sit the Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth) examination, run by the Royal Colleges of Surgeons. This assesses your clinical competence, theoretical knowledge and understanding of orthodontic principles. 

Once you’ve passed the MOrth and completed your training, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). This allows you to join the GDC Specialist List in Orthodontics, officially recognising you as a specialist orthodontist. 

6. Optional consultant or academic training 

If you’re interested in hospital based consultant roles, you can continue training for another two years (known as ST4). You’ll complete the Fellowship in Dental Surgery in Orthodontics (FDS Orth) or the Intercollegiate Specialty Fellowship, focusing on the management of complex cases such as cleft lip and palate, orthognathic surgery and multidisciplinary care. 

Alternatively, some orthodontists combine research and clinical work through an Academic Clinical Fellowship, which is ideal if you’re drawn to teaching or scientific research. 

Registration and professional development

You’ll need full GDC registration as a dentist after completing your BDS. Once you’ve passed the MOrth, you can apply to join the GDC Specialist List in Orthodontics. 

To stay on the register, you must complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout your career, keeping up to date with the latest advances in orthodontic technology and practice. 

Skills you’ll need

Being an orthodontist is about more than straightening teeth. It’s a job that demands precision, patience and excellent communication. 

Useful skills include: 

• Detailed knowledge of dental and facial anatomy 
• Manual dexterity and strong technical ability 
• Scientific understanding and problem-solving 
• Attention to detail and logical thinking 
• Empathy and good communication, especially with children and teenagers 
• Business awareness, if you plan to run your own practice 

Orthodontists often work closely with other dental professionals, so teamwork and leadership are valuable too. 

Career options

Once you’re on the specialist register, there’s several directions your career could take. 

Specialist orthodontic practice 

Many orthodontists work in private or NHS specialist practices, treating a mix of children and adults. You might be self-employed, a practice partner or an associate. Running your own practice offers flexibility and autonomy, though it also brings business responsibilities such as finance and marketing. 

Hospital consultant 

With further training and fellowship qualifications, you can work as a hospital consultant within the NHS, managing complex or surgical cases. Consultant orthodontists often lead multidisciplinary teams, supervise trainees and contribute to research.

Community Dental Service 

Some orthodontists work in NHS community dental clinics, providing care for patients with special needs or limited access to hospital services. 

Cleft or craniofacial orthodontics 

This subspecialty focuses on patients with cleft lip and palate or severe jaw discrepancies, usually as part of a wider surgical team. 

Academic and research careers 

If you enjoy the academic side of dentistry, you could combine orthodontic practice with university teaching or research. A PhD usually takes around four years and can lead to a career in higher education or clinical research. 

What it’s like to work as an orthodontist

Orthodontists treat a wide range of patients, but most are children and teenagers referred by their dentist. Under-18s can access NHS orthodontic treatment if they meet certain criteria. Many adults seek private treatment for aesthetic reasons. 

You’ll work in clinical environments such as specialist practices, hospitals or community clinics. Hours are usually regular and can be flexible, particularly in private practice. 

Typical daily tasks include: 

• Examining patients and diagnosing malocclusions 
• Taking x-rays, photographs and impressions 
• Designing treatment plans 
• Fitting and adjusting braces or aligners 
• Monitoring progress and making regular adjustments 
• Advising patients on oral hygiene and retainer care 
• Liaising with dentists, surgeons and dental nurses 

It’s a role that requires concentration and meticulous technique, but it also brings plenty of job satisfaction. Watching a patient’s confidence grow as their treatment progresses can be incredibly rewarding. 

Salaries and working hours

Orthodontists’ earnings can vary quite a bit depending on their experience, the type of workplace and where they’re based.  

During specialty training, they receive an NHS trainee salary, and once fully qualified they usually earn somewhere between £60,000 and £100,000 or more. Those working as NHS hospital consultants follow the national consultant pay scale, which ranges from about £88,000 to £119,000. Income in private practice can be higher still, depending on patient demand and how successful the practice is.  

While many orthodontists work full time, part-time roles and flexible schedules are also common, offering a good work–life balance. 

Career progression

Most orthodontists begin their careers as specialists, working either in hospital settings or in practice. As they gain experience, they may move into senior specialist positions, take on the responsibility of running their own practice, or progress into hospital consultancy or academic roles.  

A common route starts with general dentistry before moving into orthodontic training and then on to becoming a specialist.  

Others may go on to consultant positions, including roles in cleft or craniofacial services, while some choose to focus on teaching and research, eventually becoming lecturers, professors or research leads. Whatever direction you take, ongoing development through CPD, courses and conferences remain an important part of keeping your skills and knowledge up to date. 

Is orthodontics right for you?

Orthodontics isn’t a quick option. You’ll spend at least eight years in training before you can practise as a specialist, and competition for places is intense. But if you enjoy science, problem-solving and seeing visible results from your work, it can be one of the most fulfilling areas of dentistry.