Becoming an orthodontist in the United States requires a total of about 10 to 11 years of education and training after high school. This includes four years of undergraduate college, four years of dental school, and two to three years of an orthodontic residency program. The exact timeline can vary depending on whether you take a gap year, pursue a combined degree program, or choose a longer residency.
Undergraduate Education: 4 Years
The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years of full-time study. While there is no required major, most future orthodontists choose a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
During these four years, you must complete prerequisite courses for dental school. These usually include biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and sometimes biochemistry or anatomy.
You also need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) during your junior or senior year. A strong DAT score is essential for admission to a competitive dental school.
Dental School: 4 Years
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you apply to dental school. Dental school is a four-year program that leads to either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Both degrees are equivalent and prepare you for clinical practice.
The first two years of dental school focus on classroom and lab instruction in subjects like oral anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology. The last two years involve clinical rotations where you treat patients under supervision.
During dental school, you must also pass Part I and Part II of the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) or the newer Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). These exams are required for licensure.
Orthodontic Residency: 2 to 3 Years
After graduating from dental school, you apply to a specialty residency program in orthodontics. These programs are highly competitive and typically last two to three years. Most programs are three years long as of 2026.
During residency, you learn advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. You treat patients using braces, aligners, retainers, and other appliances under the guidance of experienced faculty.
Residents also complete research and may publish a thesis. At the end, you earn a certificate in orthodontics and often a master’s degree.
Licensing and Certification
Before you can practice independently, you must pass a clinical board exam and obtain a state dental license. As of 2026, many states accept the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification, which involves written and oral exams.
Board certification is optional but highly respected. It demonstrates advanced expertise and commitment to the field.
Total Timeline Comparison
| Step | Duration | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate college | 4 years | Bachelor’s degree + DAT exam |
| Dental school | 4 years | DDS or DMD + NBDE/INBDE |
| Orthodontic residency | 2–3 years | Certificate + state license |
| Total after high school | 10–11 years | Licensed orthodontist |
Key Factors That Can Change the Timeline
- Combined degree programs: Some universities offer accelerated BS/DDS programs that shorten undergraduate time to three years.
- Gap years: Many students take a year off to improve DAT scores, gain experience, or strengthen applications, adding a year.
- Residency length: A few programs are two years, but most are three. The trend is toward three-year programs as of 2026.
- Military programs: The military offers scholarships and shorter residency tracks, but you must serve after training.
What About High School Preparation?
You can start preparing in high school by taking advanced science and math classes. Volunteering at a dental office or shadowing an orthodontist can also help you confirm your interest.
Good grades and a strong foundation in biology and chemistry will make college prerequisites easier. However, high school does not count toward the 10- to 11-year total.
Financial Considerations
The cost of this education is significant. As of 2026, public dental school tuition ranges widely, and private schools are more expensive. Many students take out federal or private loans.
You can reduce costs by attending an in-state public university for undergraduate and dental school. Scholarships, grants, and military programs are also available.
Orthodontists typically earn a high income after residency, which helps repay loans. But it is important to plan finances carefully.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Orthodontists
Start building your resume early by participating in pre-dental clubs, volunteering, and gaining clinical exposure. Strong letters of recommendation from science professors and dentists are crucial.
Prepare thoroughly for the DAT, as scores heavily influence dental school admission. Consider taking a prep course or using study guides.
During dental school, maintain a high GPA and seek research opportunities. These will strengthen your orthodontic residency application.
Summary
In total, it takes about 10 to 11 years after high school to become a licensed orthodontist in the United States. This includes four years of undergraduate college, four years of dental school, and two to three years of an orthodontic residency. The path requires dedication, strong academic performance, and financial planning, but leads to a rewarding career helping patients achieve healthy, straight smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years of school to be an orthodontist total?
It takes about 10 to 11 years after high school, including 4 years of college, 4 years of dental school, and 2 to 3 years of orthodontic residency.
Can I become an orthodontist faster than 10 years?
Some combined BS/DDS programs can shorten the undergraduate portion to 3 years, potentially reducing total time to 9 years, but most students take the full 10 to 11 years.
Do orthodontists go to medical school?
No, orthodontists attend dental school, not medical school. They earn a DDS or DMD degree, then complete a specialized orthodontic residency.
What is the hardest part of becoming an orthodontist?
Many students find dental school and the orthodontic residency application process to be the most challenging due to the heavy workload, competitive admissions, and financial cost.
How long is orthodontic residency in 2026?
As of 2026, most orthodontic residency programs in the US are three years long, though a few two-year programs still exist.
