Orthodontic Schools

Working as an orthodontic technician, you can take credit for helping to achieve picture-perfect smiles. Orthodontic technicians create all types of braces and retainers, both permanent and temporary versions, to straighten teeth and correct t bite problems. You'll work closely with orthodontists to custom-fit these straightening devices to fit each patient's mouth and teeth alignment. After receiving a prescription from the orthodontist and a mold of the patient's mouth, you'll create the braces or retainers and work with the patient to ensure an optimal fit.

Orthodontic Salaries

Employment summary:

people employed: 5410 people
yearly change: -90 people (-2%)
workforce fraction: 0.004% (1 in 24149)
50% range: $(157840 to unknown) per year
80% range: $(102150 to unknown) per year
(2009 data)

Related occupations:

	people employed	mean wage
general dentists	86270 people	$156850 per year
oral and maxillofacial surgeons	5390 people	$210710 per year
prosthodontists	660 people	$125400 per year
all other dental specialists	5010 people	$153570 per year

Standard occupational classification information:

SOC code: 29-1023
SOC parent occupation: dentists

Employment history:

Other Community and Technical Colleges

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Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, , 92350
Telephone:(909) 558-1000
http://www.llu.edu

University of Southern California

University Park, Los Angeles, 90089
Telephone:(213) 740-2311
http://www.usc.edu/

University of the Pacific

3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, 95211
Telephone:(209) 946-2011
http://www.pacific.edu

Nova Southeastern University

3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, 33314
Telephone:(954) 262-7300
http://www.nova.edu

University of Iowa

101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, 52242
Telephone:(319) 335-3500
http://www.uiowa.edu

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at New Orleans

433 Bolivar St, New Orleans, 70112
Telephone:(504) 568-4808
http://www.lsuhsc.edu/

Boston University

One Silber Way, Boston, 02215
Telephone:(617) 353-2000
http://www.bu.edu

University of Detroit Mercy

4001 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, 48221
Telephone:(313) 993-1000
http://www.udmercy.edu

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, , 48109
Telephone:(734) 764-1817
http://www.umich.edu

A T Still University of Health Sciences

800 W Jefferson, Kirksville, 63501
Telephone:(660) 626-2121
http://www.atsu.edu

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How to Become an Orthodontic Technician

A career as an orthodontic technician is very rewarding, helping hundreds of people achieve a smile they can be proud of. The pay is competitive, with the median rate around $18 an hour, depending on experience and education. read more [+]

Where Would I Work?

Laboratories
Dental offices

Collaborating one-on-one with dentists to see that patients receive the best care possible, orthodontic technicians explain the use and care of orthodontic products to patients, and answer any questions. Orthodontic technicians can build, repair, or adjust braces and dental prosthetics onsite. They may also assist in office duties.

After finishing the education, with or without the extra degree, the next step is to look for a starting position in the field of orthodontics. Just starting out, the new graduate will probably be working as a technician assistant, learning more about the job under someone who has a lot more experience. After a few years of hard work and commitment, the new graduate may be able to move up to the position of orthodontic technician, either within the company or into another company.

What Type of Training Do I Need?

Becoming an orthodontic technician used to be as easy as finding an orthodontist to train under. This apprenticeship was all that was needed to start their own careers in the field. Now students are encouraged to complete at least a one year program and obtain their certification. Offered at various dental schools and technical colleges, these programs will teach everything needed to become an orthodontic technician, as well as the basics of dentistry.

What Will I Learn?

During the course of study students will learn the techniques necessary to perform the job of an orthodontic technician. This includes molding and building dentures, retainers, and braces. Students will also learn how to use the tools of the trade with proficiency. Professional ethics and etiquette, as well as billing and insurance will also be taught. Most schools offer courses with lab work similar to what you will be doing as an orthodontic technician.

The number of jobs available in this field is substantial, especially as a lot of older technicians prepare to retire. Becoming an orthodontic technician isn't hard, if there is the will to put the time and work into it. Getting an education in this field now, while there are so many openings, will provide the new graduate with a job that is both challenging and worthwhile.