What Does an Orthodontist Do?

An orthodontist diagnoses and treats problems with the alignment of teeth and the way the teeth and jaws fit together. The orthodontist examines patients and reviews dental records to determine what is causing the problem and whether treatment is appropriate. They plan and monitor care that may use braces, clear aligners, or other appliances to move teeth or guide jaw development. At follow-up visits, they assess progress and adjust the treatment plan to support a stable, functional result. Their work also involves explaining treatment choices and helping patients understand how to care for their appliances.

What Is a Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who examines, diagnoses, and treats malocclusion, meaning teeth or jaws that do not align or meet as they should. The orthodontist assesses tooth position and jaw development, then uses examination findings and diagnostic records to plan care. Treatment may improve how the teeth meet and make them easier to maintain, as well as affect appearance. O*NET describes examining patients, studying diagnostic records, fitting appliances, and adjusting them as core parts of the occupation (O*NET orthodontist profile).

What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Orthodontist?

The orthodontist first determines the nature and extent of the alignment or bite problem. This involves examining the mouth and facial structures and reviewing relevant dental history, photographs, scans, models, or X-rays. The findings help the orthodontist distinguish a problem caused mainly by tooth position from one involving jaw development. That distinction guides the treatment goals and whether coordination with another dental or medical professional is appropriate.

Once the diagnosis is established, the orthodontist develops a plan suited to the patient’s condition. They explain the expected approach and discuss practical considerations such as treatment duration, costs, and the patient’s role in care. Depending on the case, treatment may involve fixed braces, removable aligners, or another appliance. The orthodontist fits or prescribes the appliance and checks that it is producing the intended changes.

Care continues through periodic assessments. The orthodontist checks tooth movement and bite changes, adjusts appliances or the plan when progress differs from expectations, and responds to problems that could interrupt treatment. They also document findings and instructions. At the end of active treatment, the orthodontist recommends retention to help maintain the result.

What Does a Orthodontist Do on a Daily Basis?

A typical clinical day moves between consultations, treatment visits, and follow-up appointments. The orthodontist may begin by reviewing records for new patients before examining their teeth and bite. They discuss findings and possible treatment with the patient, then decide whether to start care, gather more information, or monitor development before treatment begins.

During scheduled treatment visits, the orthodontist evaluates changes since the last appointment. They may fit an appliance or adjust one already in use, then explain what the patient should expect and how to follow care instructions. Between visits, they review records, document treatment, and coordinate with the clinical team or other providers when a case requires it. The exact schedule varies with the practice and the patients being treated.

What Skills Does a Orthodontist Need?

Clinical judgment is essential because similar-looking alignment problems can have different causes. An orthodontist uses examination findings and diagnostic records to choose realistic treatment goals, rather than relying on appearance alone. They also need precision when fitting and adjusting appliances, since treatment depends on carefully controlled changes over time.

Communication helps patients understand their options and take part in treatment. For example, an orthodontist explains why an appliance is recommended and what the patient needs to do for it to work as planned. Patience and interpersonal skill are useful when treating children or when a patient feels anxious about care. Organization supports accurate records and consistent follow-up throughout a treatment plan.

How Much Does a Orthodontist Earn?

The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics national wage figure located for orthodontists is a median annual wage of $254,620 in May 2024. This is the midpoint of reported wages, not a guaranteed salary. Earnings can vary with location, hours worked, experience, and practice arrangements.

What Is the Career Progression for a Orthodontist?

Orthodontists complete dental education and additional specialty training before practicing, and they must meet the licensing requirements of the state where they work. State requirements vary. The BLS explains that dental specialists complete additional training beyond dental school and describes state licensure in its dentist occupational profile.

Career paths depend on individual goals and the practice setting. An orthodontist may work as an associate, establish or own a practice, or take on leadership responsibilities. Some also teach dental learners. These are possible directions rather than mandatory steps, and the balance of patient care and practice management differs by role.

How Contingent Workforce Management Helps Businesses Hire Orthodontists

Contingent workforce management services help a business arrange and administer time-limited workers. An orthodontic practice may need coverage while an orthodontist is on leave or during the opening period for a new location. The assignment can help maintain planned appointments while the practice assesses its longer-term staffing needs. When the practice has already selected the orthodontist, hiring the worker directly and using third-party payrolling can be a lower-cost alternative to a staffing agency.

TCWGlobal helps companies manage contingent orthodontists through payrolling and workforce support. For a practice that has chosen a qualified orthodontist for defined coverage, payrolling can handle employment administration and pay without requiring the practice to source the candidate through a staffing agency. This can reduce agency costs and administrative work, allowing practice staff to focus more on patient scheduling and clinical operations.