Any Dentists/Orthodontists in here?

[Triple T]

I've recently become very interested in becoming an orthodontist.

Soo, how would I go about doing it in CANADA?

I've researched a little and will do more tomorow when I have more time, but just wondering how some of you dentists/orthodontists got to where you are now.

Any Tips?

My current dentist said to study hard in Biology, Chem, and math. And that I need about 4 years of dentistry to get my DDS and then I can specialize to become an ortho and that takes about 2-3 more years.
He also mentioned that getting into Dental School will be very difficult and basically just told me to try as hard as I can in school.

I'm doing pretty good in school right now, +85% in all subjects, Honour Roll student.
I'm also going to ask my orthodontist if I can job shadow him for a day or two (follow him around at his job) and maybe some volunteer hours at a hospital or something like that.

Any ideas?

 

[noodle]

I'm also interested in this field of work.
Anybody here an ortho/dentist?

 

[Jules Verne]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=17

The SoSuave of medical fields.

 

[CGE333]

There was an article in the NY Times around a year ago or so that talked about how Dentists who own their own practices make more $$$ and work less hours than medical doctors.

 

[Colossus]

I've recently become very interested in becoming an orthodontist.

Soo, how would I go about doing it in CANADA?

I've researched a little and will do more tomorow when I have more time, but just wondering how some of you dentists/orthodontists got to where you are now.

Any Tips?

My current dentist said to study hard in Biology, Chem, and math. And that I need about 4 years of dentistry to get my DDS and then I can specialize to become an ortho and that takes about 2-3 more years.
He also mentioned that getting into Dental School will be very difficult and basically just told me to try as hard as I can in school.

I'm doing pretty good in school right now, +85% in all subjects, Honour Roll student.
I'm also going to ask my orthodontist if I can job shadow him for a day or two (follow him around at his job) and maybe some volunteer hours at a hospital or something like that.

Any ideas?

Getting in to dental school is only **slightly** easier than medical school here in the US. I know for a fact the DAT is easier than the MCAT, but it still a difficult exam that you will need to spend MONTHS studying for. You still need to have a competitive gpa (>3.5) and SOLID science gpa. DO NOT FVCK UP YOUR GRADES!!!!! I cannot over-emphasize this. If you do it will be a long, hard road back to the top, and you may never make it.

That article in the NY Times is true---dentists can certainly make as much or more than a primary care physician, while working less hours (30-50) and not having to do a residency and internship. They still dont compare to some of the more competitive medical specialties like ortho, plastics, and radiology; or anaesthesia in terms of income...but you have to look at the big picture.

Dentists and orthodontists enjoy great lifestyles from what I understand. Hell, if I liked teeth I would do it!!

 

[Triple T]

Thanks for the links, I'll start reading around there now