Dentist and Orthodontist

[Aamiya]

What is the major difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

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[Liz Cecilia]

....A dentist covers general procedures in most aspect of dentistry, while an orthodontist focuses heavily on the aesthetic aspects of teeth, e.g. lining up the midlines, curvature of the arches, maximum intercuspation, & straightening via braces. There are a few general dentists however, that do not refer out their ortho patients and often choose to put braces on the patient themselves.

 

[Upperbyte]

The major difference is that one is a true specialty which requires a post doc program.

 

[Jack8276]

Are general dentists allowed to put on braces?

 

[Silent Cool]

Are general dentists allowed to put on braces?

Yes, but that doesn't mean they should.

 

[DrJeff]

Are general dentists allowed to put on braces?

They most certainly are. A general dentist though, who chooses to provide orthodontic treatment in his/her practice will though be held up to the standard of care of what a board certified orthodontist can provide should something "go wrong" with the case and it ends up in court.

The same thing applies to a general dentist performing a root canal or say periodontal surgery. If something goes "wrong" you as the GP will be held up to the standards that a board certified specialist can deliver in court should the case ever get there

 

[Jack8276]

So residencies in dentistry are more of training programs than the actual education for a specialist? Had no idea.

 

[Aamiya]

Are general dentists allowed to put on braces?

I think not all dentists will offer brace