How To Become An Orthodontist - Panorama Orthodontics

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Becoming an orthodontist takes commitment, focus, and a long stretch of formal education. In total, it’s usually about 12 years of university training to become a certified specialist in orthodontics.

The path begins with a four-year undergraduate degree, typically a Bachelor of Science. From there, students apply to dental school—a competitive process that leads to another four years of intensive clinical and academic training. Canada has 10 dental schools, and the United States has more than 60 for those who want to explore options beyond our borders.

After these eight years of university, graduates earn the title of general dentist. Some choose to enter practice right away, while others pursue advanced training in one of the recognized dental specialties. Orthodontics is a specialty that requires an additional three-year Master of Science degree and a full-time residency program focused on facial growth, jaw development, biomechanics, and tooth movement. Other dental specialties include pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, periodontics, and endodontics. Many programs also prefer applicants who have one to two years of clinical experience or additional hospital-based training before applying.

In Canada, only seven dental schools offer orthodontic specialty programs, and each accepts just three to five residents per year—fewer than 30 spots nationwide annually. The selection process is highly competitive.

After completing the orthodontic residency and earning the graduate degree, a dentist becomes a certified specialist in orthodontics in Canada. It’s a long and challenging journey, but it ensures that specialists have the expertise needed to deliver safe, effective, and transformative orthodontic care.

Here's how Dr. Chow's long scholarly road looks:

• Bachelor of Science (Biology), University of Western Ontario
• Doctorate of Dental Medicine, University of British Columbia
• General Practice Residency, University of Michigan
• Master of Science (Orthodontics) and Orthodontics Residency, University of Toronto
• Fellow, Royal College of Dentists of Canada

Dr. Chow is your trusted Vancouver BC orthodontist. Contact our office today to schedule your first appointment.

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