The main factor that distinguishes an orthodontist from a dentist is the specialized training a dentist must undergo to become an orthodontist. All dentists and orthodontists must graduate from dental school before being certified to practice dentistry. Some people choose to pursue further education so that they can gain the in-depth training that qualifies them to specialize in a specific area of dentistry, such as orthodontics. Orthodontic training programs are very competitive: only the brightest and most dedicated dentists are accepted, and even fewer have the dedication necessary to complete this rigorous course of study.
