Pediatric Orthodontist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of modern healthcare, the demand for pediatric orthodontists has never been higher.

As advancements in dentistry progress, the need for skilled individuals who can improve, adapt, and safeguard our children’s oral health becomes more pressing.

But what does being a pediatric orthodontist truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager looking for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pediatric orthodontics,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we provide a comprehensive pediatric orthodontist job description template, designed for easy use on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Orthodontist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Orthodontists specialize in the oral health care of children and teenagers.

Their duties involve diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malpositioned teeth and jaws.

Pediatric Orthodontists are required to have an understanding of the complexities of a growing jaw and how it can affect a child’s bite and overall oral health.

Their responsibilities include:

• Examining patients’ teeth, jaw, and bite to diagnose dental issues
• Designing and creating appliances like braces, retainers, and space maintainers to realign teeth and jaws
• Monitoring the progress of patients and making adjustments to dental appliances as necessary
• Providing advice on good oral hygiene practices and dental health
• Collaborating with dentists and other specialists to plan treatments
• Performing surgical procedures when necessary
• Providing education to patients and parents about treatments and dental care
• Staying updated with the latest techniques, equipment, and best practices in pediatric orthodontics

 

Pediatric Orthodontist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Orthodontist to join our professional team.

The Pediatric Orthodontist will be responsible for diagnosing and treating dental issues, misalignments, and oral health complications specifically in children and teenagers.

Our ideal candidate has specialized training in managing the oral health needs of young patients and is well-versed in providing treatments using braces, aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic devices.

The ultimate goal is to provide our patients with high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive orthodontic care.

 

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies
• Create treatment plans and timelines for patients
• Design and fit braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances
• Monitor patient progress and adjust treatments as needed
• Provide preventive care advice to patients and parents
• Perform regular check-ups and adjustments
• Collaborate with other dental professionals such as oral surgeons or pediatric dentists as needed
• Maintain patient records and ensure their confidentiality
• Stay up-to-date with developments in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)
• Specialized training in pediatric orthodontics
• Board certification in orthodontics
• Valid state dental license
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with children and adolescents
• Compassionate and patient-centric approach

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Orthodontist
• Work Environment: Dental clinic. Some weekend and evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dental Director or Practice Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $180,000 minimum to $300,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Orthodontist Do?

A Pediatric Orthodontist is a specialized dentist who diagnoses and treats dental and facial abnormalities in children and adolescents.

Their main responsibility is to straighten teeth, correct improper bite patterns and improve jaw alignment.

This is often done through the use of braces, retainers, and other corrective devices.

They often use X-rays or plaster models of the teeth to plan the most appropriate treatment.

They also educate the patient and their parents about the importance of oral hygiene and the ways to clean and maintain the orthodontic devices.

Pediatric Orthodontists also monitor the progress of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments.

They have an essential role in improving the overall dental health of their patients, which can have a significant impact on a young person’s confidence and self-esteem.

Additionally, as they work with children and teenagers, Pediatric Orthodontists must also be skilled at managing and calming fears or anxieties that young patients might have about dental treatment.

 

Pediatric Orthodontist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Pediatric Orthodontist should have skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:

• Medical knowledge and skills in the field of orthodontics, particularly pertaining to children and adolescents, and their unique dental needs.
• Interpersonal skills to connect with young patients and their parents, to provide a comfortable environment and build trust.
• Communication skills to explain complicated procedures, treatment plans, and hygiene recommendations to children and their parents in a simple, understandable manner.
• Detail-oriented approach to diagnose and treat dental issues in early stages, preventing them from turning into serious problems in the future.
• Patient and empathetic nature to work with children who may be anxious or fearful of dental procedures.
• Problem-solving skills to provide solutions for various orthodontic issues that children may face, such as crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth.
• Physical abilities that allow them to perform precise procedures on small, delicate structures.
• Continuing education to stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and technologies in pediatric orthodontics.

 

Pediatric Orthodontist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Orthodontists are required to have an extensive educational and clinical experience background due to the specialized nature of the role.

Firstly, they must have a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree which typically takes four years of dental school.

After dental school, they are required to specialize in orthodontics, which involves a 2-3 year residency program.

Furthermore, to focus on pediatric orthodontics, additional training on the oral health of children, teenagers, and young adults is necessary.

This includes understanding how to manage children’s behavior, the growth stages of their jaws and teeth, as well as the specific challenges and procedures relevant to this age group.

Clinically, pediatric orthodontists should have experience managing complex orthodontic cases in children and teenagers.

This can be gained through residencies, fellowships, or relevant work experience in a dental practice, hospital, or dental clinic.

Pediatric Orthodontists with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their skills significantly, being able to handle more complex cases independently.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some administrative or managerial experience, such as managing a private practice, leading a team of dental assistants or hygienists, or overseeing other orthodontists in a larger clinic or hospital, and are generally considered experts in their field.

 

Pediatric Orthodontist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Pediatric Orthodontist requires a significant amount of formal education.

The initial step in becoming a Pediatric Orthodontist is to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

While there are no specific major requirements, courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are typically recommended.

Next, prospective orthodontists must attend dental school and earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

This typically involves four years of study, with the first two years mainly consisting of classroom-based learning, and the final two years involving hands-on clinical experiences.

After earning a DDS or DMD degree, aspiring Pediatric Orthodontists must complete a residency in orthodontics, which typically lasts two to three years.

This residency provides specialized training in how to diagnose, prevent, and correct malocclusion and other abnormalities in developing dentition and jaw structures in children and adolescents.

Many Pediatric Orthodontists also choose to become board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

This involves passing a written examination and presenting treated cases to a panel of experts for review.

Ongoing continuing education is important in this role due to frequent updates and advancements in orthodontic treatments and technologies.

Overall, to become a Pediatric Orthodontist, one needs to be dedicated and committed to at least 10 years of formal education and training after high school.

 

Pediatric Orthodontist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Orthodontist earns an average salary of $263,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, education, and geographical location.

Additionally, the employing healthcare institution and the specific clientele can also influence the total compensation.

 

Pediatric Orthodontist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Orthodontist need?

A Pediatric Orthodontist should have excellent manual dexterity and spatial judgment, as they are often working in small spaces.

They should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they need to explain complex dental procedures to children and their parents.

Patience is also a must, as treating young patients can be challenging at times.

 

Do Pediatric Orthodontists need a degree?

Yes, Pediatric Orthodontists need a degree.

First, they must earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.

After this, they need to complete a specialty residency in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, which usually lasts for 2-3 years.

Finally, they must pass the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry certification exam.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Orthodontist resume?

When reviewing a Pediatric Orthodontist resume, look for evidence of their medical education and training, including dental school, a residency in pediatric orthodontics, and board certification.

Practical experience working with children and performing orthodontic procedures is also important.

Membership in professional organizations like the American Association of Orthodontists can indicate a commitment to ongoing learning.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Orthodontist?

A good Pediatric Orthodontist is not only highly skilled in dental procedures but also has a friendly, reassuring demeanor that helps children feel at ease.

They should be patient and able to handle children of all ages, from infants to teenagers.

They need to have a meticulous attention to detail, as orthodontic treatment often involves precise adjustments over a long period of time.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Orthodontists?

Hiring Pediatric Orthodontists can be challenging due to the level of specialized education and training required.

There is also a high demand for these specialists, which can result in a competitive job market.

To attract the best candidates, you may need to offer competitive salaries, benefits packages, and opportunities for career development.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of pediatric orthodontics.

Surprised?

It’s not just about straightening teeth.

It’s about crafting beautiful smiles that boost a child’s confidence, one tooth at a time.

With our handy pediatric orthodontist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But don’t stop here.

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating precise job listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every tiny tooth is part of a bigger, brighter smile.

Let’s build those smiles. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Orthodontist (Complete Guide)

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