Orthodontist Courses
Orthodontists straighten teeth, fix jaw alignment, fit braces and aligners, and perform dental surgery while ensuring patient care.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
View all courses
How do I become a Orthodontist
Get qualified to work as a Orthodontist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Become a registered dentist with the Bachelor of Dental Science. This comprehensive degree qualifies you for dentistry work in public health, Australian defence forces (ADF), and private practice.
The program covers: foundations of dental practice, head and neck anatomy, physiological sciences, microbiology, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, oral surgery, oral-maxillofacial pathology, special needs dentistry, dental public health, clinical practice, and more.
Enquire now for the full list of admi...
Career opportunities
The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is tailored for general dentists aspiring to specialise. This educational pathway deepens professional expertise in selected dental areas, integrating current and emerging studies. It aims to significantly enhance clinical, academic, and research abilities, equipping practitioners for advanced roles in specialty practice, academic environments, or research fields. The course emphasises comprehensive skill development, fostering a deep understanding and application of speci...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 and a half years - 4 years
The Doctor of Dental Medicine equips you for a fulfilling career as a qualified dental practitioner, delivering quality oral healthcare in your community. This innovative curriculum compresses studies, providing comprehensive training, skills, and knowledge for preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral conditions. The course fosters advanced critical thinking and reasoning, enabling the development of a research-informed clinical practice. It is an ideal path for those aspiring to make a significant impac...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 and a half years - 4 years
Find a provider
Become a qualified dentist with the Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Graduates of this comprehensive degree program are eligible for registration with the Dental Board of Australia and can start their own dental practice, work in public health, or join the Australian Defence Forces (ADF).
During your studies you’ll gain all the skills and knowledge you need to deliver a full range of dental treatments and oral health care services. You’ll also develop advanced clinical skills via a number of professional pla...
Career opportunities
View all
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Orthodontist.
Common questions
How much do Orthodontists earn?
The typical weekly salary for an Orthodontist in Australia is approximately $2,640, which translates to an annual salary of around $137,000. Increase your earning capacity by undertaking post-graduate qualifications in specialist areas like public health or business administration.
What are the job opportunities for Orthodontists?
There are 1,400 Dental Specialists currently employed across Australia, this includes qualified Orthodontists. They mainly work in private practice but some are employed by government health providers.
How do I become an Orthodontist?
Becoming a fully qualified Orthodontist in Australia is a long-term commitment to your education and professional development. The steps are as follows:
- Complete a degree that covers human anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology such as the Bachelor of Biomedicine or Bachelor of Health Science.
- Pass the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
- Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery.
- Undertake at least 2 x years of clinical experience as a dentist.
- Complete a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics) — or similar orthodontic course that is recognised by the Australian Dental Council.
- Register as a Specialist in Orthodontics with AHPRA.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2024
Choose a field of study
Healthcare and medicine are growing sectors, and demand is high for working professionals in these areas. Browse accredited health courses and health qualifications.
All courses
Begin a rewarding career in Aboriginal health care, improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Career opportunities
View all
Allied health training is designed for students looking for careers supporting physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and other health professionals.
Career opportunities
View all
Learn more about human physiology while empowering your patients to contribute to their own wellbeing through better nutrition, spiritual practices, and lifestyle choices.
Career opportunities
View all
More information
Orthodontists are qualified dentists who focus on straightening teeth, fixing jaw alignment problems, and helping their clients achieve a beautiful smile. They perform dental surgery as well as configure and fit metal braces, clear aligners, expansion plates, bite-correcting springs, and other dental appliances.
As an Orthodontist you could be conducting an oral exam on a new patient, examining dental x-rays, fitting a set of clear-aligners for a patient, fixing an uncomfortable wire on metal braces, discussing a change to the treatment plan of a long-term client, having a team meeting with all staff at the dental practice, updating patient records, or just having a quick coffee in between appointments.
To succeed in this occupation you must be committed to academic and technical excellence in dentistry and have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
Courses by location