by our College Data Analytics TeamIn 2020-2021, orthodontics/orthodontology was the 910th most popular major nationwide with 297 degrees awarded. This represents a 5.7% increase in orthodontics/orthodontology degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 280.
Our 2023 Best Orthodontics/Orthodontology Schools ranking analyzes 18 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for orthodontics/orthodontology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of orthodontics/orthodontology programs later in this article.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in orthodontics/orthodontology is using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times and talking to others to convey information effectively are all required skills for careers related to this major.
orthodontics/orthodontology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional orthodontics/orthodontology certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Orthodontics/Orthodontology degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in orthodontics/orthodontology to the highest orthodontics/orthodontology degree, a . Different orthodontics/orthodontology degrees vary in how long they take.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to orthodontics/orthodontology, with approximately 7.6% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for orthodontics/orthodontology workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-Doctoral Training | 93.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 7.7% |
| High School Diploma | 0.1% |
About 99.9% of workers in careers related to orthodontics/orthodontology obtain at least master's degrees. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in orthodontics/orthodontology have received.
The education level required is different depending on the orthodontics/orthodontology career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your orthodontics/orthodontology degree? Orthodontics/Orthodontology careers are expected to grow 18.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to orthodontics/orthodontology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Orthodontists | 7,800 | 18.2% |
As you might expect, salaries for orthodontics/orthodontology graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for orthodontics/orthodontology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers orthodontics/orthodontology grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Orthodontists | $225,760 |
With over 59 different orthodontics/orthodontology degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased orthodontics/orthodontology school rankings to help you with this.
Orthodontics/Orthodontology is one of 11 different types of Advanced Dentistry & Oral Sciences programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Dental Clinical Sciences | 404 |
| Advanced General Dentistry | 210 |
| Oral Biology & Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology | 151 |
| Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics | 144 |
| Endodontics/Endodontology | 141 |
