Orthodontist Hiring Guide | LinkedIn Talent Solutions

Illustration of a doctor in an exam room working on a computer

Anyone who has worn braces is familiar with orthodontists — dentists that specialize in teeth and jaw alignment. While orthodontists are trained in general dentistry, they’re certified experts in jawline, teeth, and bite growth and misalignment. They regularly create treatment plans and perform surgery to fix these conditions, using dental appliances like braces, expanders, and headgear to aid in the process. Like other dentists, orthodontists can prescribe medications as needed and practice good bedside manner to ensure a positive patient experience.

You might hire an orthodontist to:

Provide preventative and corrective treatment for oral diseases and injuries

Straighten teeth and correct nonoptimal bites
Treat jaw pain, sleep apnea, and gum disease
Fit patients with braces, expanders, and other appliances

Required skills and qualifications	Preferred skills and qualifications
Doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) degree, or equivalent, from an accredited university	Strong leadership skills
Degree from an accredited orthodontic specialty program relevant to country of hire	Good bedside manner
Board certification or equivalent and required regional licensure	Strong attention to detail and accuracy
One to three years of orthodontic experience