What is the highest-paid orthodontist?

Question

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid orthodontist is an orthodontic surgeon. For example, an orthodontic surgeon earns between $300,000 to $500,000 a year compared to a regular orthodontic who averages $225,760 a year. An orthodontic surgeon makes more money due to the additional 4 to 6 years of specialized oral and maxillofacial residency training programs.

The career path for both orthodontists and orthodontic surgeons involves completing a dental degree and obtaining a license to practice dentistry. However, becoming an orthodontic surgeon requires further specialization through additional years of advanced education and training in oral and maxillofacial surgery or a related field.

While both professions require a high level of skill and expertise, orthodontic surgery is more time-consuming and involves greater complexity, as it may include correcting severe malocclusions, skeletal discrepancies, or craniofacial abnormalities, requiring a deep understanding of both dental and surgical principles.