Orthodontists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
The first step is examining jaw development, tooth position, and related facial structures, then studying histories, plaster models, photos, and x-rays to diagnose misaligned bites and other dental-facial problems. Appliances are designed, made, and fitted to move teeth and jaws into a working relationship, then adjusted over time so function is maintained. Patients hear the proposed plan and cost estimate and are advised to follow it; diagnostic and treatment records are prepared throughout. Suits people who like long-course treatment planning, precise fitting work, and tracking small changes from one visit to the next.
Typical education: Post-Doctoral Training
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$289'140
Median Wage Market Position
$289'140
What you might do
- Examine jaws and teeth for alignment problems
- Study models, photos, and x-rays of patients
- Fit appliances that move teeth and jaws
- Adjust appliances so bites work as they should
- Explain treatment plans and estimated costs
- Advise patients to follow their treatment plans
Skills that matter
- Studying X-rays and plaster models
- Diagnosing jaw and tooth misalignment
- Fitting appliances to realign teeth
- Listening to concerns about teeth and jaws
- Explaining treatment plans and costs
- Adjusting appliances between visits
AI & the future of this role
Fitting braces and aligners, adjusting appliances, and reading subtle bite changes still depend on chairside skill and patient trust. Imaging and treatment planning may get faster with software, but licensed clinical judgment and hands-on care are likely to remain central.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details