Hey guys, I'm a junior in high school and I'm really interested in becoming an orthodontist. I want to start looking into schools with great orthodontics programs. Can anyone recommend some top orthodontist schools and maybe provide a bit of information about their programs? Appreciate it!
Hi there! It's great that you're considering a career as an orthodontist. Since you're still in high school, your first step will be to complete an undergraduate pre-dental program, which typically involves a major in a science (like biology or chemistry) and completing the required pre-dental courses. After your undergraduate studies, you'll apply to dental schools, and after completing dental school, you will apply for a postgraduate orthodontic residency program.
For your undergraduate education, look for schools with strong pre-dental programs and science departments, as well as good advising resources for pre-dental students. Some schools known for their pre-dental programs and science curricula include the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Boston University, among others. It's important to maintain a high GPA and get involved in extracurriculars throughout your undergraduate career, as dental schools are quite competitive.
In terms of dental schools, some of the top programs in the United States include the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. These schools offer Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees, which are required to practice dentistry.
After becoming a licensed dentist by passing the written/comprehensive exams and clinical exams following dental school, you'll then need to complete a 2-3-year orthodontic residency program accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Some respected orthodontic residency programs include those at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Remember to focus on doing well in your undergraduate studies, as this will lay the foundation for your success in dental school and your orthodontic residency. Best of luck in your journey to becoming an orthodontist!
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