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The differences between orthodontists and oral surgeons can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an oral surgeon has an average salary of $427,828, which is higher than the $215,333 average annual salary of an orthodontist.
The top three skills for an orthodontist include patients, diagnosis and OSHA. The most important skills for an oral surgeon are patients, patient care, and dental care.
| Orthodontist | Oral Surgeon | |
| Yearly salary | $215,333 | $427,828 |
| Hourly rate | $103.53 | $205.69 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 18,456 | 23,387 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 29% | Bachelor's Degree, 29% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
An orthodontist is responsible for evaluating the dental records, including x-ray and surgery results of a patient, administering medications to treat dental issues and avoid further health complications. Orthodontists perform adjustments on the patients' dental condition, including teeth improvement procedures, by utilizing dental equipment and tools for operations. They inspect the efficiency of the operating equipment and machine, ensuring its stability and top-performance condition by conducting regular maintenance and sterilizing equipment to prevent contamination that may affect dental results.
Oral Surgeons consult with patients and analyze patient information to determine the patient's requirements and treatment objectives. They plan treatments by partnering with other professionals like orthodontists and restorative dentists. These professionals record patients' care by keeping comprehensive patient appointment notes relating to test results, prescribed treatments, prescribed tests, and comments. Besides administering local anesthetics and general anesthetics, where necessary, oral surgeons also prescribe medication that can control pain after surgical procedures and improve patient recovery.
Orthodontists and oral surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Orthodontist | Oral Surgeon | |
| Average salary | $215,333 | $427,828 |
| Salary range | Between $121,000 And $381,000 | Between $213,000 And $856,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Vermont |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | SEARHC |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an orthodontist and an oral surgeon in terms of educational background:
| Orthodontist | Oral Surgeon | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 29% | Bachelor's Degree, 29% |
| Most common major | Advanced Dentistry And Oral Sciences | Advanced Dentistry And Oral Sciences |
| Most common college | University of Southern California | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between orthodontists' and oral surgeons' demographics:
| Orthodontist | Oral Surgeon | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 29.7% Female, 70.3% | Male, 25.2% Female, 74.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 17.6% White, 66.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 9.6% Asian, 17.4% White, 66.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |