The profession of an orthodontist is becoming increasingly popular, because the success of eliminating dental anomalies depends on it. Now no more than 6% of dentists do this, so there will always be a demand for good specialists. But in order to become a professional, you need to receive the appropriate education and constantly improve your skills.
Who is it?
This is a doctor who deals with the correction of congenital or acquired pathologies of the jaws. He places braces, makes impressions for dentures, and then installs them. His competence includes the treatment of the following anomalies:
- curvature of the entire geometry of the dentition or individual teeth;
- unaesthetic bite;
- disproportionate development of the upper and lower jaws;
- unerupted teeth;
- asymmetrical face shape;
- tooth gap;
- speech, chewing or breathing disorders resulting from jaw pathology;
- restoration of lost teeth;
- displacement of the dentition.
The specialist’s responsibilities also include preventing the occurrence of such anomalies and studying the reasons that cause them. The orthodontist works to improve the dentition in every possible way.
The profession requires combining the skills of a dental technician with the knowledge of a dentist. But he does not treat carious cavities or fill them. To correct teeth, an orthodontist mainly uses hardware and surgical methods.
Important! Dental anomalies can be corrected at any age. But only those who see a doctor on time with their problem can count on the most positive results. This applies to both children and adults.
In the video about who an orthodontist is, what he does and why it is needed:
Entrance exams
There is no need to take exams for medical colleges and schools: students are recruited through a certificate competition. Universities take into account the results of passing the Unified State Exam. For certain categories of applicants, dental universities organize their own entrance tests. We are talking about foreign citizens, people with disabilities, as well as graduates of technical schools, colleges and schools. If they wish, they have the right to take internal university exams without providing USE results.
The passing scores for a budget place at any dental institute are different every year and depend on how well the applicants passed the Unified State Exam and how many excellent students decide to enroll in a particular university. In the last few years the level has been high - an average of 80-90 in each subject. The competition for paid education is lower: as a rule, it is enough to score 60-65 points on the Unified State Examination. Winners of Olympiads from the List of the Ministry of Education and Science in specialized disciplines (chemistry and biology) enjoy an advantage in admission and can enter the ranks of students without competition.
Features of the profession
The main tasks of an orthodontist include:
- identifying the reasons that contributed to the formation and development of pathology;
- study of the degree of complexity of the patient’s problem;
- selection of an adequate and effective course of treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of the client and diagnosis;
- carrying out preventive measures to prevent recurrence of abnormal changes;
- records management;
- performing dental procedures - tooth extraction or pain relief, if required by a specific situation;
- providing medical assistance if necessary.
The specialist is also obliged to familiarize patients with the rules of oral hygiene . The scope of his employment is significantly narrower than that of dental therapists. The result of the orthodontist’s work is considered to be a flawless and even smile.
Attention! Within the profession there is a division into pediatric and adult orthodontist. Treatment methods will be different for each age group.
The doctor’s choice of specific actions is directly related to the nature of the client’s pathology. At the first appointment, the specialist will not install braces or corrective plates ; this requires special preparation.
The first visit to the orthodontist involves a thorough visual examination, preliminary diagnosis and consultation on recommended methods of getting rid of pathology. After making a diagnosis, he prescribes treatment and carries out procedures to correct the dentition. Finally, the achieved results are recorded using special structures - a tray or thin wire.
Dentists' specializations
Like many other specialties, dentistry has a number of specializations, which can be trained in universities in our country.
Dentists are different
In simple terms, a dentist is a general term that refers to a doctor who deals with diseases of the oral cavity.
Dentistry specializations are narrow-profile activities associated with a certain age of patients, characteristics of diseases, and so on.
All this is worth talking about in more detail.
Therapeutic activities in the field of dentistry are familiar to most of us.
After all, it is the therapist who examines our teeth, detects caries, tartar, and gives advice related to the prevention of certain diseases through proper hygiene.
We go to the surgeon in case of dental injuries, for example, received at a boxing competition. This person also deals with the treatment of wounds in the mouth and neck, standard procedures for tooth extraction and prosthetics.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is called upon to help us solve more complex issues related to our health. Procedures performed by a regular surgeon are performed under local anesthesia. For the work of a maxillofacial surgeon, general anesthesia is required.
We meet a pediatric dentist quite early, at approximately six months of age. After all, it is at this moment that most children begin to grow their first milk teeth. We will continue to see the same specialist until adolescence.
Pros and cons of the profession
Among its advantages are the following:
- decent wages;
- increased demand;
- the possibility of continuous professional development and remuneration;
- prestige;
- low competition.
The disadvantages of this specialty include:
- the need for long-term training - more than 5 years and its high cost;
- frequent stress, especially during dental treatment in children;
- increased responsibility for your work.
The complexity of the profession also lies in the fact that the doctor is obliged not only to study the clinical picture well, but also to select the optimal treatment methods that are guaranteed to help correct the identified defects in the patient.
Some will hate you
This sounds strange, but to some extent it is true. Unfortunately, oral health, even today, is ignored by millions of people around the world. Going to the dentist is seen as a painful and negative experience. There are many stereotypes that continue to haunt this profession. Therefore, you must be mentally prepared for the fact that some people will hate you.
At the beginning of their careers, young and naive dentists are simply infuriated by some patients. And when you tell your family and friends about these moments, a large part of them will not be able to understand your emotions and will suggest you not to develop further in this profession.
Important personal qualities
The most important thing here is the psychological factor. Dental correction is a long process. It takes from 6 months to 2-3 years. And most often you have to deal with children. Therefore, you need to be able to establish trusting contact with them. You can’t do this without the ability to empathize and communicate.
Stress resistance and the ability to smooth out conflict situations are also valued. And in order for the treatment results to always be positive, you need to take your work responsibly. Hard work also requires goodwill, balance and tact.
And no less significant will be the desire for self-development. A specialist must regularly improve his competence and skill level , and understand new treatment methods.
What subjects need to be taken
To enter the Department of Dentistry, students must pass mandatory exams in the subjects of biology and chemistry. An additional subject from the university and one of the applicant’s choice are also taken.
It is advisable to have at least a basic knowledge of Latin, which is the basis in medical terms. After 9th grade, you can go to college, where the requirements for OGE scores are much lower.
Where to study and how many years does it take to become such a doctor?
To master this profession, you must undergo full training at the Faculty of Dentistry at a university. Then get a narrow specialization in residency. In general, it takes up to 9 years. To successfully enter a medical university, you need to have high Unified State Exam scores in:
- biology;
- mathematics;
- chemistry;
- and physics.
Or you will have to take a test. Sometimes a foreign language exam is added to this list.
It is better to check the list of subjects directly with the educational institution to which you are applying for admission.
The best institutions that train dentists include:
- Moscow State University named after Lomonosov;
- Siberian State Medical University;
- RUDN;
- First Moscow State Medical University named after. Sechenov;
- KubMSU.
But studying at a university is not enough. A true specialist is constantly developing, mastering new techniques, attending thematic conferences and seminars. Only continuous work on himself makes him a professional in his field.
How much does training to become a dentist cost in Russia?
Reading time: 7 minutes(s) The dentist profession is quite in demand and is considered very prestigious. Dentists specialize in all problems related to the maxillofacial area; they are competent in modern diagnosis and treatment of teeth. The dentist often acts as a competent consultant in matters of disease prevention and proper oral care in general.
Who is a dentist: what do you need to know about the profession?
A dentist is a doctor who treats the teeth, jaw, soft tissues, or other organs of the oral cavity. The dental profession is a fairly broad concept, so specialists with a narrower profile are distinguished:
- The dentist treats caries, puts fillings, and restores teeth;
- dental surgeon – this focus involves diagnosing dental diseases using x-rays;
- orthopedist-dentist – a prosthetist who restores teeth and prevents the further development of various oral diseases;
- pediatric dentist.
In addition to dentists, dental technicians, orthodontists and medical assistants often work in clinics and dental offices. The duties of such an assistant include sterilizing dental instruments, conducting physical therapy procedures, preparing the office, and assisting the doctor in maintaining documentation.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Dentists have a wide field of activity, since the very concept of this specialty is quite capacious and is divided into several areas. Depending on them, the tasks and responsibilities of the doctor will vary. In a broader sense, the dentist's primary goal is to treat the patient's oral health.
Regardless of what area a dentist specializes in, his knowledge of human anatomy and physiology must be perfect, especially with regard to the structure of the jaw, teeth and the entire oral cavity.
Dentistry is a high-tech branch of medicine, so the doctor must be a master of various special equipment and instruments.
Work and salary
The dentist profession is prestigious, so the earnings of these specialists are quite high. Dentists can work in public clinics or in private offices.
The peculiarity of this profession is that there are several options for career growth. In the first case, the doctor can remain in the same position, constantly improving his qualifications and gaining experience. In addition, a dentist always has the opportunity to move up the administrative ladder and reach the position of chief physician. Also, a specialist can choose a scientific career and defend a doctoral dissertation, if desired, at the same time working for himself and improving his financial condition.
The average salary of a beginning specialist is about 30-40,000 rubles, while doctors with experience can receive from 100,000 rubles.
Pros and cons of the profession
Like any other profession, working as a dentist has its advantages and disadvantages. The undoubted advantages of such a specialty include:
- high wages;
- demand in the market for good specialists;
- the possibility of opening your own office or clinic.
The main disadvantages include the almost inaccessible free education due to enormous competition. In addition, like any other medical profession, dentistry requires endurance from a specialist, and therefore is not the best choice for overly impressionable people.
How to become a dentist?
To become a dentist, you need to go through quite a long journey. The first step will be admission to a higher educational institution, and after the third year of study, students will go on their first medical practice. Only after completing the 5th year will the young doctor receive a diploma without the right to practice.
To work, theoretical knowledge is not enough. Mandatory practical skills are acquired in a year-long internship, which is already full-time work in a clinical setting, but under the supervision of qualified specialists. After this, the young doctor can continue his residency training, which will allow him to become a specialist in a more specialized field.
It is possible to learn the profession of a dental assistant without a university diploma - for this it will be enough to obtain secondary vocational education at a technical school or college or complete special courses. However, for career growth in this case, you will definitely need to graduate from a university.
What skills are needed?
A person who has chosen the profession of a dentist as a job must be calm, balanced, persevering, accurate and observant. People in this profession require excellent knowledge of chemistry, anatomy and human physiology. You will also need to have skills in pharmacology and an excellent knowledge of the structure of the oral cavity.
A good dentist treats his clients with great attention and kindness. A true professional is always reserved, tactful and loyal to everyone who comes to him for help. In addition, this specialty requires excellent vision and well-developed fine motor skills.
What education is needed and where can I go?
Training in the dentistry profession is carried out only in medical universities. An applicant can apply for any major, but after graduating from the specialty, he will need to undergo an internship. Only after this stage will the young specialist be able to obtain a certificate for the right to practice medicine.
What subjects need to be taken?
Since the requirements for such professionals are extremely high, already at the initial stage, during the period of passing exams for admission, applicants are required to have a serious level of preparation. Those wishing to enter a medical university must successfully pass chemistry, Russian, biology or physics.
Is it difficult and worth learning?
The training program at a higher educational institution is structured in such a way that students are introduced to a wide range of important disciplines, they receive practical skills throughout their studies, and learn research and organizational work. As a result, the graduate must be able to solve various professional problems, provide specific medical care to the patient and make a diagnosis.
Since the medical profession is considered very important in modern society, studying at a medical university requires taking your studies seriously. A future specialist must be able to navigate the terminology and have a lot of professional knowledge, which requires perseverance, attentiveness and patience, and this, of course, is difficult for many, especially in the first years of study.
Is it possible to study to become a dentist after 9th grade?
A 9th grade graduate will not be able to immediately enter the faculty, which in the future guarantees him the profession of a dentist. However, those who want to master the profession of a dental technician can easily enter technical schools or colleges after the 9th grade, having in hand a high school diploma.
How long to study after grades 9 and 11?
If a graduate after 9th grade decides to master the profession of a dental technician or dental assistant, then studying at a college or technical school will take him 2-3 years. In a medical university, after 11th grade, you will need to study to become a dentist for 5 years. Then the young specialist will be required to undergo training in an internship or residency, where he will receive his narrow specialization and also gain experience as a doctor. The duration of such training will be several more years.
Is distance learning possible?
Correspondence training in such a complex profession is, of course, impossible. To become a dentist who has the right to practice, you must study only full-time, according to the entire required program of a higher educational institution.
When we talk about correspondence training for doctors, then, as a rule, it means advanced training courses for dentists or retraining of those specialists who already have a diploma from any medical educational institution.
Where to go to study?
In order to become a specialist in the field of dental pathologies, you should choose the specialization “Dentistry” at a university or academy.
Universities and academies
In Moscow, you can study to become a dentist at the following institutions.
- Moscow State University named after Lomonosov. One of the most prestigious universities in Russia accepts applicants to the Faculty of Fundamental Medicine. The main professional program is implemented in accordance with the educational standard of Moscow State University. The duration of training is 6 years, the form of training is full-time, budget or contract. The cost of training is from 300,000 rubles per year.
- First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov. The Department of Dentistry was organized within the structure of the Faculty of Postgraduate Professional Education of Doctors. Involves full-time training for 2 years, there is a budget and a contract.
- Russian National Research Medical University RNRMU named after N. I. Pirogov. The Faculty of Dentistry, founded in 2008, accepts applicants. The form of study is full-time, duration is 5 years. The graduate will receive the qualification “Dentist”. The contract price is from 380,000 rubles.
- Peoples' Friendship University of Russia . In the specialty of dentistry, 1 program is offered with 15 budget places; the contract form of education costs 390,000 rubles per year. The training lasts for 5 years.
- Moscow State Medical and Dental University named after. A. I. Evdokimova . In the field of Dentistry, specialists are trained on the basis of budget and contract (410,000 rubles per year) training.
In St. Petersburg, the list of universities looks like this.
- St. Petersburg State University. Dentists are trained at the Faculty of Dentistry of Medical Technologies, there is a budget - 15 budget places, the cost of the contract is 252,700 rubles.
- Military Medical Academy named after. M. S. Kirov . The duration of training for dentists is 6 years, there is a budgetary form of education.
- St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy . The Faculty of Dentistry here was separated into a separate structure in 2009. There is a Department of Dentistry, a Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Full-time study is expected for 5 years (specialty degree). A budget and contract (from 231,000 rubles per year) form is provided.
- First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. Academician I.P. Pavlov . The Faculty of Dentistry is recruiting applicants for full-time study for a period of 5 years. The main goal of the activity is to train dentists in accordance with the requirements of higher professional education. The cost of training on a contract basis is from 200,000 rubles.
- St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute . The institute accepts applicants to the medical faculty, where training is conducted in accordance with federal state educational standards. The training lasts 5 years according to the specialty program, its cost is 175,000 per year.
Colleges and technical schools
Moscow:
- Dental College No. 1. The structure of the educational institution includes the department of dentistry, nursing and the department for advanced training of dentists. To be admitted, an applicant must have a basic higher or secondary medical education.
- Intercollege. Conducts training in the program “Orthopedic Dentistry”. There are no budget places available, the duration of study is from 34 months, the cost is from 90,000 rubles.
- Medical College No. 5. Recruits applicants after grades 9 and 11, there are budget places, the cost of the contract is 180,000 rubles per year. The program lasts 2 years 10 months.
- College of Innovative Technologies and Service "Galaktika". A private educational institution, the training program is conducted in the specialty of preventive dentistry. The duration of study is 22 months, the cost is from 100,000 rubles per year.
- MIIT Medical College. Provides training in the specialty “Orthopedic Dentistry”, training lasts 2 years 10 months, there are budget places.
Saint Petersburg:
- Medical College named after. V. M. Bekhtereva. Graduates of specialists are carried out on the basis of grades 9 and 11, duration - 2 years 10 months, cost from 60,000 rubles.
- Medical School of the Institute of Nursing Education of the First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I.P. Pavlova. The study is carried out in the direction of “Preventive Dentistry” for a period of 2 years 10 months. There are budget and contract forms (from 84,000 rubles).
- Medical College No. 2. The state budgetary professional educational institution accepts applicants for full-time study. The preparation period is 3 years 10 months, budget or contract form (from 70,000 rubles).
- St. Petersburg GBPOU Medical College No. 2. One of the oldest medical educational institutions offers education for graduates of grades 9 and 11 according to the basic training program. Preparation takes place over 3 years 10 months (9th grade), and 2 years 10 months (11th grade). Cost – from 88,000 rubles.
- Medical College No. 3. Conducts recruitment in the specialty “Orthopedic Dentistry”, “Preventive Dentistry”. Involves obtaining the qualifications “Dental Technician” and “Dental Hygienist” on a full-time basis, based on grades 11 and 9. The duration of study is 2 years and 10 months. Education is paid - from 140,000 rubles per year.
Courses and trainings
Moscow:
- "Geosoft Dental Education". We provide training for dentists, courses for dentists, seminars, lectures, trainings, and advanced training courses. It is assumed that you have a higher education and a work permit. The cost of the courses depends on the specific direction and timing of completion (approximately 3,000 rubles).
- Educational. Conducts training according to the program from 8 to 36 hours, the cost of training is from 1,500 to 32,000 rubles.
- Educational. The cost of training here ranges from 3,000 to 100,000 rubles, duration – from 3 hours to 5 days.
- Educational. The cost of training is 20,000 rubles, the duration is 3 days. The program is designed to improve skills.
- Educational. The cost of training is up to 52,000 rubles, duration is up to 5 days.
In St. Petersburg, you can take dental courses here.
- Educational . Conducts trainings, seminars, and advanced training courses. The duration of training programs is from one day, the cost is from 3,000 rubles.
- Educational . Organizes training events for doctors, assistants and managers. Duration of classes from 34 hours, cost from 24,000 rubles.
- International Consulting Educational Center for Modern Dentistry . Conducts seminars and master classes based on lectures, practical classes. Course duration is from 2 days, cost from 18,000 rubles.
- N. Sella . Dental training courses are held here several times a month and include lectures, seminars and master classes. The duration of classes is from 1 day, the cost is from 2,000 rubles.
- Training center for dentists "Lax". Offers courses, lectures and seminars to discuss solutions to pressing industry challenges. There are also advanced training courses and professional retraining.
In conclusion, it should be noted that dentistry is a very prestigious profession, chosen by hundreds of school graduates every year. But before applying to a university, those wishing to master this specialty need to familiarize themselves with the pros and cons of working as a doctor and evaluate their capabilities.
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Specialist salary
Obtaining an education requires large investments, but after successfully completing all its stages, a specialist will easily achieve a high level of income.
The salary depends on the place of work . In government institutions this is a flat rate, and in private clinics it is about 25-35% of the cost of services provided to the patient. In the second case, in order to earn decent money, you need to have more clients and an excellent reputation with positive reviews.
Specialization also affects your salary. A pediatric orthodontist is paid from 35 thousand rubles. and more, and for an adult – from 68 thousand rubles.
Reference . The highest demand for orthodontic services is in the Moscow Region, Krasnodar Territory and St. Petersburg. Beginning specialists are paid from 24 thousand rubles, and experienced specialists – from 50 thousand rubles. At the same time, the average salary in the Russian Federation is 90-100 thousand rubles, and if we are talking about a private clinic, the amount increases to 300-400 rubles.
Dentists are often unhappy with themselves
Unfortunately, many people do not understand the fact that any pathology takes time to heal. It's the same in dentistry. Patients come in expecting everything to be fixed overnight, but are faced with reality. Dentistry is one of the professions that is characterized by a fairly high suicide rate. Sometimes the work is so tiring and chaotic that the doctor experiences high levels of stress. Some people handle it well, but many succumb. In fact, given the cruelty of social media these days, it is very difficult to ignore the hate that comes from dissatisfied patients.
Career
Orthodontist is a profession in demand . Vacancies in this specialty are open in the following places:
- state clinics;
- medical centers;
- private aesthetic medicine clinics.
An experienced doctor can open his own office to provide dental services. And if you have no desire to contact patients, there is always the opportunity to get a job at an enterprise that sells or produces medications or orthopedic structures.
The level of skill and quality of specialist services provided are periodically assessed by qualification categories. They are awarded after defending a research paper. The commission evaluates not only the doctor’s skills, but also the relevance of his knowledge and skills.
There are several types of categories assigned to an orthodontist:
- the second – if you have at least 3 years of experience;
- first – given with work experience of over 7 years;
- Higher - requires at least 10 years of practice.
A doctor has the right not to undergo certification, but this will interfere with career and professional growth.
Having a qualification category provides the following advantages:
- the opportunity to occupy high positions in medical organizations;
- the right to an increase to the basic salary;
- increasing the level of trust on the part of patients;
- status in the professional environment.
You can achieve even greater acceptance by speaking at medical conferences and publishing expert articles.
And if you want to build a scientific career, you will first have to complete graduate school, and then write and defend a dissertation. Then the title of Candidate of Medical Sciences will be awarded.
To become an orthodontist, you need not only to have certain personal qualities and undergo expensive training at a university, but also to constantly develop professionally. The reward for this will be decent wages and gratitude from clients.
Where to apply
Training in this specialty is offered by the following universities in Moscow and other Russian cities:
- Belgorod State National Research University;
- Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after. Professor V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky;
- Yaroslavl State Medical University;
- Ural State Medical University;
- Kursk State Medical University;
- Moscow State Medical and Dental University named after A.I. Evdokimova;
- Siberian State Medical University.
In total, there are about 65 higher educational institutions in the Russian Federation that offer education in the specialty 08/31/77 “Orthodontics”.
What does an orthodontist do?
Orthodontists deal with:
- correction of abnormal jaw development;
- alignment of the dentition (row);
- treatment of soft tissues;
- installation of braces;
- restoration of lost tooth fragments.
Most often, doctors have to work with patients who have malocclusion. Jaw pathologies can also occur as a result of injuries. Another important task of the orthodontist is to prepare the patient for the process of prosthetics or installation of implants.
What does an orthodontist treat?
Many people dream of an ideal smile, straight teeth and correct bite, since these factors often influence how a person is perceived in society. If we don’t talk about aesthetics, we are talking about serious pathological phenomena that arise due to jaw anomalies. These include diction disorders and other diseases of the gums and teeth. Anomalies in the development of the jaw can even lead to diseases of the cervical spine, so orthodontics is one of the most important areas in dental practice, dealing with precisely these problems.
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