As you can imagine, the job that helps people have functional and beautiful smiles is going to be a respected one in the UK and all around the world. Orthodontics is one of the most rewarding dental specialties. But, becoming one is not easy, there is a lot of school and dental courses involved. This article walks you through the steps someone needs to take in order to get this job. What are orthodontic courses and why are they necessary?
The First Step: Get a Dental Degree
If you want to become an orthodontist in the UK, you need to start by completing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. It must be from a school that’s approved by the General Dental Council (GDC). This kind of degree usually takes around five years to complete. Throughout this degree you will learn both theoretical and practical knowledge. This is about setting the foundation and starting to build on it. It’s a highly competitive field, so prepare yourself for a tough admission process. Keep in mind that you will need biology and chemistry knowledge to get in.
You will gain general knowledge about dentistry and orthodontic principles, but also about patient care. The science behind oral hygiene is a complex thing. And you need to know the anatomy of the mouth perfectly before being able to practice. Think about it, the lives of people are in your hands. This is not one of those degrees that might or might not have an influence on the world. You are changing the way someone lives their life, which is why it’s essential that you do it well. So, getting a dental degree is the first step. What’s next on the itinerary?
Postgraduate Preparation Dental Courses
A one-year mandatory course is what comes next, called the Dental Foundation Training (DFT) program. This program acts as a bridge between academic life and real life. You learn what practice out there looks like. These dental courses in the UK should be conducted in NHS-approved places. You get to apply what you learnt in real-life settings. Learning and taking tests in different from actually working with patience. Many people are very scared of going to the dentist, so what you need to learn is to deal with that. Bupa tells us that over 50% of Brits have a fear of the dentist. And over 75% put off visiting the dentist at all.
Many students choose to take all kinds of dental courses in the UK, so that they are better prepared for what is to come. Orthodontic courses can really help you become a better professional and orthodontist altogether. Before you apply to any orthodontic specialty programs, you need to ensure that you are ready for it. You know what they say, theory is always easier than practice. With the help of orthodontic courses, you will be more competent, which makes you more likely to get hired.
Orthodontic Specialty Training
After the foundation training is complete, you need to do some orthodontic specialty training. These programs should last around three years full-time, and are offered by dental schools associated with the NHS. For those who don’t know, the NHS stands for the National Health Service. The admission process is, again, very competitive. You will need to prove great academic knowledge and that you have relevant experience. You also need to show that you are actually interested and passionate about the specialty that you want to follow. Orthodontic courses require you to be committed.
Dentists are orthodontists are similar, but not the same. They both know everything there is to know about oral hygiene, but one needs orthodontic courses if they want to know about jaws and braces. Think of it like this, you are to be a doctor, so there is never enough school. Taking as many additional courses as you can only makes sure that you will be able to deliver high-quality services. We are talking about teeth-straightening surgery and installing braces, which can be a tad more complicated than the work a dentist does. Which is exactly why additional courses are necessary.
Why Are Orthodontic Courses Important?
As mentioned throughout this article, additional courses are a must if you want to be a well-rounded professional. Technology is constantly changing, and it’s important that you are up to date. New technology could mean a better experience for the patient, an easier job for you, and an overall better result. If you are not constantly trying to improve yourself and your skills, you will be surpassed by others. People will always try to find the best doctor, especially when looking to get something so life-changing as braces. Courses help you become that doctor.
You could take a 12-month program and you can learn to master all of the new techniques in dentistry. New materials and treatment schemes are used for braces. We went from the metallic brackets to the clear aligners. Your patients will want the option that looks the best and helps them the quickest. And even if you think that you know everything there is to know, you should be aware that the smart people in our world are inventing things all the time. Moreover, you want to be able to spot and treat complex dental irregularities with as much efficiency as possible. And that can only happen by always learning.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of becoming a doctor in the dental industry, know that you have a jerky road ahead. You will have to tie many loose teeth, sorry, ends, and learn a lot. Dental courses are an essential part of becoming a trusted professional. You are the one who’s going to be working in people’s mouths. You want to be aware of any changes and new technologies, so you can offer high-quality services. After you finish the mandatory learning programs, go the extra mile, and learn those additional techniques. Your patients and their teeth will be thanking you.
