The future of the profession will be interesting. But braces will not go anywhere or the complex cases we treat with braces. Aligners work great with simple
Agree with some of your comments. Agree that to specialize in ortho with a huge amount of debt is not financially smart. Years ago .... the economic climate for ortho was better than it is now. It was easier to be REALLY successful back then. But times have changed and the new orthodontists are adapting to the current environment. In time ... I see the profession and ortho political organizations stepping up their campaigns on what separates ortho treatment between generalists and specialists. Aligner treatment has improved over the years, but it has serious drawbacks especially with those who use them with no real orthodontic knowledge.
And the big point. Let's face it. It's pretty universal that orthodontists have a better lifestyle (less back issues, less stressful appts, less liability, longer possiblity to practice, etc. etc) than general dentists. As for salary. Like I said .... earlier in my private practice career .... I made bank. Now in my mid 50's .... I work Corp 4 days a week as a way to downsize and reduce ownership stress. Quite frankly the ability to earn $$$$$ working for a Corp as an Orthodontist is better than most people realize.
Want to be an Orthodontist? Be realistic about your DS and residency debt. If it's worth it .... go for it.
