A qualified orthodontic specialist must first receive his/her doctorate in general dentistry — the same as your family dentist. Then, they must complete an additional two to three years of graduate training in orthodontics at an American Dental Association approved, university affiliated program. As a specialist, the orthodontist limits his/her practice exclusively to orthodontic treatments. If a dental practitioner is practicing general dentistry and providing orthodontic services, he/she is not an approved specialist in orthodontics.
The American Board of Orthodontics is the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association, and less then 20 percent of orthodontists are board certified.