Orthodontist vs. Dentist: What’s the Difference?
It’s a common question—and a great one. After all, both dentists and orthodontists care for your smile. But the training, focus, and scope of practice for each is quite different.
By Shaun Dadjoo • September 1st, 2025
All Orthodontists Are Dentists—But Not All Dentists Are Orthodontists
The journey begins the same for both. After high school, aspiring dental professionals must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, often with a science-heavy curriculum. For me, that meant studying Biomedical Science at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, where I graduated with honors. I especially enjoyed courses like comparative anatomy, kinesiology, pathology, genetics, and even astronomy. I’ve always loved understanding how the body works—and how to help it function better.
From there, the next step is dental school, a rigorous and highly competitive doctoral program that covers the full scope of human anatomy, oral pathology, surgical techniques, and hands-on patient care. During dental school, I was fortunate to receive multiple national awards, publish peer-reviewed research (including the first randomized clinical trial on bleaching with Invisalign), and earn several academic scholarships, including Outstanding Student of the Year.
Becoming an Orthodontist Requires Even More Training
After dental school, dentists can choose to enter private practice—or continue their education in a specialty. Orthodontic residency is one of the most competitive paths. These programs add an additional 2–3 years of full-time training focused exclusively on diagnosing and treating irregularities in jaw growth, bite function, facial aesthetics, and more.
I completed my orthodontic residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health—regarded as one of the top orthodontic programs in the world. While there, I published my senior thesis on TMD alternative treatments and was honored with a national nomination for Orthodontic Resident of the Year. I also earned a Master’s degree and conducted an NIH-funded study investigating mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in skeletal growth.
So What Does an Orthodontist Do?
Orthodontists treat patients of all ages, from children to adults, and focus solely on straightening teeth, aligning jaws, and optimizing bite function. We don’t perform fillings, crowns, root canals, or cleanings—that’s the expertise of a general dentist.
Instead, we diagnose and correct complex skeletal, neuromuscular, and dental problems that affect the bite. That includes crowding, spacing, jaw asymmetries, open bites, overbites, underbites, and more. We use tools like braces, Invisalign, appliances, and sometimes coordinate with oral surgeons or other dental specialists for surgical cases or multidisciplinary care.
In my practice, I often treat patients with missing teeth, abnormal jaw growth, or airway concerns—cases where achieving a beautiful smile also improves long-term health and function.
What About Dentists Who Do Braces or Invisalign?
Many general dentists offer limited orthodontic services, especially in areas where access to specialists is limited. In cities like Porter Ranch and across Los Angeles, however, patients typically have access to board-certified orthodontists who have completed thousands of hours of specialty training. While general dentists are highly skilled in treating cavities, gum disease, and routine oral care, orthodontists bring an additional level of expertise and precision to cases involving bite and alignment.
The Bottom Line
Both dentists and orthodontists are essential to your oral health. Think of your general dentist as your primary care provider for your teeth—focused on prevention, maintenance, and treating disease. Orthodontists are specialists, like surgeons or dermatologists, with the tools and training to correct structural issues and craft long-term solutions for bite and alignment problems.
If you or your child is considering orthodontic treatment, seeing an orthodontist can give you peace of mind that you’re getting the most specialized, precise care possible.
Have questions about whether braces or Invisalign are right for you? I’d love to help. Schedule a free consultation with our team and let’s create a personalized plan for your smile.
Warmly,
Dr. Shaun Dadjoo
Board-Certified Orthodontist
