Orthodontist Jobs

Orthodontists at Diamond Braces must demonstrate a refined skill set that balances clinical expertise with leadership and patient-centered communication. These capabilities are essential not only for delivering excellent treatment outcomes, but also for supporting high-volume practices and mentoring team members. Core Skills for Orthodontists include:

• Clinical Precision – Diagnose and execute complex treatment plans with accuracy.
• Communication – Translate technical recommendations into clear, confident guidance for patients.
• Leadership – Set the tone for excellence by mentoring staff and modeling best practices.
• Tech Fluency – Leverage digital scanning, aligner software, and diagnostic tools for treatment planning.
• Decision-Making – Adjust treatment courses effectively based on clinical outcomes and patient goals.
• Efficiency – Manage time and caseload across multiple chairs or offices without sacrificing care quality.
• Empathy – Understand patient anxieties and personalize the orthodontic experience to build trust.

To become an orthodontist, you must complete a highly structured educational path that includes dental school and a specialized residency in orthodontics. Unlike some dental roles, certification and advanced training are mandatory, and the process is both competitive and rigorous. Earning a degree from an accredited orthodontic program opens the door to licensure, board certification, and long-term career growth in both private and multi-location practices like Diamond Braces. Education and Certification Pathway for Orthodontists:

• Complete a bachelor's degree with prerequisite science coursework.
  
• Graduate from an accredited dental school (DDS or DMD).
  
• Gain acceptance into a 2–3 year orthodontic residency program.
  
• Pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) or INBDE.
  
• Obtain a state license to practice as a specialist.
  
• Pursue board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) for enhanced credibility.
  
• Stay current through continuing education and digital orthodontic technology training.

Choosing the right orthodontic residency program is essential for launching a successful and sustainable career in the specialty. The most competitive programs combine intensive academic training with clinical experience in hospital or university settings, and often provide mentorship, research opportunities, and board exam preparation. Top Orthodontic Residency Programs in the Tri-State Area:

• Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York, NY)
  
• NYU College of Dentistry (New York, NY)
  
• Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (Stony Brook, NY)
  
• Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (Newark, NJ)
  
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)
  
• Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, NY)
  
• Seton Hill University Center for Orthodontics (Greensburg, PA – accessible from Eastern PA)

When evaluating programs, prioritize CODA accreditation, board exam pass rates, clinical volume, exposure to digital orthodontic technology, and post-graduate placement support. These factors will significantly influence both your residency experience and long-term success in the field.

Becoming an orthodontist requires completion of a rigorous postdoctoral residency program that blends academic coursework with clinical treatment of real patients. These programs, typically lasting two to three years, build on dental school foundations and dive deep into craniofacial development, biomechanics, and the art and science of tooth movement. Residents gain extensive experience diagnosing malocclusions, creating treatment plans, and managing cases from start to finish using both fixed and removable appliances. Training also includes advanced imaging, surgical collaboration, and research components that prepare orthodontists for board certification and long-term clinical success.

• Craniofacial Growth & Development: Study of jaw and facial anatomy across pediatric and adolescent populations.
  
• Orthodontic Diagnosis: Cephalometric analysis, dental casts, and digital imaging for malocclusion classification.
  
• Biomechanics of Tooth Movement: Understanding the forces applied during alignment and how teeth respond over time.
  
• Fixed & Removable Appliances: Hands-on experience with braces, aligners, retainers, expanders, and functional devices.
  
• Case Management: Longitudinal treatment of patients across different age groups, monitored by faculty.
  
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with oral surgeons, pediatric dentists, and prosthodontists in complex cases.
  
• Research & Evidence-Based Practice: Critical review of literature and completion of original research or a thesis.

The estimated average salary for a Orthodontist at Diamond Braces is $262,598 per year or $126 per hour, but some professionals have reported earning up to roughly $423,705 per year (90th percentile). The typical pay range is between $205,915 (25th percentile) and $339,150 (75th percentile) annually. This is based on 265 salaries submitted by Diamond Braces Orthodontist professionals on Glassdoor, as of Jul 2025.

Orthodontists at Diamond Braces typically work full-time schedules, generally between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with select locations offering Saturday hours based on patient demand. Most providers rotate between two to three Diamond Braces offices, supported by experienced treatment coordinators and orthodontic assistants. The clinical environment is fast-paced and high-volume, with multiple chairs running simultaneously and a strong emphasis on digital workflows, including iTero scanning and Invisalign treatment planning. Each location follows standardized protocols to ensure consistency in care, patient experience, and operational efficiency across the organization.