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Are Orthodontists Doctors? Dentist in Spring Texas
It is a common question. An even more common question is whether dentists are doctors. More so, most people do not know the difference between a dentist and orthodontist. This article will answer all these questions in detail to set the record straight.
First, Who is an Orthodontist?
Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry. An orthodontist specializes in correcting oral deformities such as uneven teeth.
An orthodontist goes through the same training and education as a dentist for four years. After graduating, a general dentist has to undertake two to three more years as a resident orthodontist in an institution approved by the American Board of Orthodontics. During this period, the orthodontist learns everything there is to know about teeth movement, which makes up the core of orthodontics. As such, an orthodontist can perform all the roles of a dentist as well as specialized oral care related to teeth movement.
However, it is vital to note that you cannot qualify to be an orthodontist unless you attain the proper qualifications and documentation. It is important to note that many quacks masquerade as dentists and orthodontist since they have general knowledge in these fields.
Is an Orthodontist a Doctor?
First, is a dentist a doctor? Who is a doctor in the first place? A general description of a doctor would be a medical professional who is concerned with human health and wellbeing.
Medicine is a broad career that comes with many specialties. Some doctors specialize in narrow fields such as gynecology. In the same way, some doctors specialize solely in matters to do with oral health – these are called dentists. And, as explained earlier, an orthodontist is a dentist who has specialized in oral movement. So, what makes an orthodontist a doctor?
- Education and Training in Medicine
Before you dismiss an orthodontist, keep in mind that he/she has spent at least six years in medical school learning all there is to know about the mouth, one of the body’s most vital organs. As explained earlier, an orthodontist has to learn for at least four years in dentistry school and undergo further education and training to become a specialist in the field. And, as medicine advances and discoveries are made, an orthodontist has to undergo constant training and education to keep up with developments.
It is the same case with a doctor, who has to undergo education and training for at least seven years and undertake more training to become a specialist in any of the diverse fields. In fact, most dentists find it distasteful that many people don’t regard them as doctors in spite of undergoing much of the training and education that most doctors undergo.
- Classification by Regulatory Bodies
Doctors, dentists, orthodontists, and other professionals in medicine are classified as doctors in general. For example, orthodontists in the U.S. are acknowledged and regulated by the American Board of Orthodontics. They have to meet specific requirements and qualifications to be classified as such, and the general community regards them as doctors in their specialized fields.
The government also acknowledges dentists and orthodontists as doctors with the only outstanding difference being that they specialize in oral health.
- General Knowledge of Health, More than the Average Person
How much do you know about your anatomy? Have you had any education or training on the subject? Most people have basic knowledge of anatomy, but this falls far behind what doctors know – that is why they are doctors, after all.
When most people think of dentists, they associate them primarily with oral health. It is right and expectable, but orthodontists and dentist know more about the body than just the mouth. While their education and training mostly concentrate on the mouth, it also touches on other organs of the body and anatomy in general as the mouth is connected to many other vital organs in the body. To this end, they know more about anatomy than the average person – in fact, most dentists wouldn’t have trouble diagnosing and treating common ailments that the average person cannot.
Vita Dental – Home of Leading Dentists and Orthodontists
Do you have interests in a career in dentistry and orthodontics? Would you like to consult a dentist or orthodontist for anything? Whatever interest you may have in these fields, you are bound to get your answers at Vita Dental, the leading dental practice in Spring, Texas.
Vita Dental is home to the leading dentists, orthodontists, and other specialists in town. We treat a wide range of dental ailments and offer advice related to dentistry. Our offices are open all week round, and our customer care agents are always available online. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services or book an appointment with one of our accomplished dentists – dental care doesn’t get better than this!