{"id":60878,"date":"2026-02-06T16:07:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T21:07:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/dentist-or-orthodontist-whats-the-difference\/"},"modified":"2026-02-06T16:23:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T21:23:16","slug":"dentist-or-orthodontist-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/amortho.com\/en\/dentist-or-orthodontist-whats-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentist or Orthodontist: What’s the difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dentist or Orthodontist: Understanding the Difference to Make Better Choices<\/b><\/h2>\n

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a dentist and an orthodontist? Although both of these professionals work in the field of oral health, their roles and expertise are very distinct. Understanding this distinction will help you choose the right specialist for your dental needs. <\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about the difference between a general dentist and a specialized orthodontist.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Training: General Dentist vs Specialized Orthodontist<\/b><\/h2>\n

The main difference between these two professionals is their level of specialized training.<\/span><\/p>\n

The common path<\/b><\/h3>\n

All orthodontists are first and foremost dentists. To become a dentist, you must complete four years of general studies in dental school. This basic training covers all aspects of oral health. <\/span><\/p>\n

Specialization in orthodontics<\/b><\/h3>\n

After completing their dental degree, orthodontists continue their education in an accredited full-time program for an additional two to three years (24 to 36 months). This specialization represents 3,700 hours of training devoted exclusively to the movement of teeth, jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissues. <\/span><\/p>\n

Important fact: While all orthodontists are dentists, only 6% of dentists are orthodontists.<\/b><\/p>\n

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2. Field of expertise: who does what?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The difference in training directly dictates the services offered by each practitioner.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dentist: expert in global oral health<\/b><\/h3>\n

The general or family dentist is responsible for the overall health of your mouth. He is a general practitioner who diagnoses and treats a wide range of dental problems: <\/span><\/p>\n