Orthodontist--Career Q&A: Professional Advice and Insight

What is it like to be an orthodontist? In this Career Q&A video interview, Jonathan Shanker talks about his/her career path, what he does on the job, and the keys to success as an orthodontist. He also offers candid advice on breaking into the profession as well as insight into the industry's biggest challenges and how the field may change in the next ten years.

Length: 7 minutes

ORDER CODE: FFM-BVL93224

Copyright date: ©2015

Closed Captioned

Orthodontist: Main Duties and Responsibilities (00:19)
An orthodontist's task is to align patients' teeth and bite, and guide the growth of the jaw in adolescents and children.

Orthodontist: Career Beginnings (00:19)
Jonathan Shanker followed his father's footsteps into orthodontics.

Orthodontist: Keys to Success (00:47)
An orthodontist needs patience, attention to detail and people skills.

Orthodontist: Certification and Education Requirements (00:33)
An orthodontist goes to dental school and an orthodontic residency, and typically get a masters in a biological science.

Orthodontist: Workplace Atmosphere (00:31)
The orthodontist controls his work environment. He can do his own treatment planning and lab work or assign this to others.

Orthodontist: Advice for Aspiring Pros (00:30)
An orthodontic career requires doing well in dental school and national boards, so it is best to prepare early.

Orthodontist: A Day on the Job (00:48)
Shanker and his team plan their day, then start seeing patients at 7:30. Most visits are short.

Orthodontist: Industry Goals and Services (00:38)
The debonder and before and after treatment are rewarding in orthodontics. The profession is financially rewarding.

Orthodontist: Industry Challenges (00:54)
Diagnosis and treatment planning are the biggest challenges in orthodontics; Shanker gives examples of decisions he must make.

Orthodontist: Looking at the Future (01:03)
Invisiline direct markets to the consumer and competes with orthodontics as a way of moving teeth. The software allows orthodontists to do digital treatment planning.