Dentist and Orthodontist?

Im only in High School,but I've questioned much about a career in the Dental Fields.





Is it possible to be a Dentist and Orthodontist at the same time? i know, that basically Orthodontists are already Dentists but have more knowledge by specializing in orthodontics.





What i really mean is. Is it possible to own my own practice as an Orthodontist and Dentist.





Would this be difficult, as in busy-wise?


Would i be able to keep up the pace on my own?


Should i own a practice with a partner, why or why not?


Would i generally get payed much more by having a practice which offers Dentistry and Orthodontics?





I know i really will enjoy both of these jobs entirely, but i dont want to have to chose over one career. i really want give people both Dentistry and Orthodontics at the same time.





if someone could please answer every one of my questions, i will learn another few new thing ill be greatful of knowing, thanks.

Dentist and Orthodontist?
I have seen general dentists that do ortho (which they can legally do as long as they don't advertise themselves as "specialists") however I don't think that I have ever heard of an orthodontist that also does general dentistry. I don't think that an orthodontist would want to do general dentistry if they took the extra time and money spent to become an orthodontist. So if you become a general dentist then you can still do orthodontics. This is part of dental school, however for the really tough cases eg. surgery, major occlusion problems etc. then an orthodontist is the one that you want to see. Can it be done? I am sure it can if you decide that you want to wear roller skates, or if you can be two places at once. Being the best at something requires it's full attention. I am sure that there are orthodontists that also do general dentistry. There are dentists that do orthodontics. Now that I think about it I do know a person that does orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. There you have it, I guess it can be done. On paper having both types of services sounds great, kinda like "one stop shopping" however being an orthodontist you can have twelve patients at a time, versus one or two where you are working on a tooth personally. Many orthodontists work out of several rooms, sometimes a big single room with ten chairs set up. They supervise the treatment, that is they diagnose the type of ortho needed, cement the brackets etc. However orthodontists use orthodontic assistants that do much of the work, such as changing bands, removing extra cement, etc. So while there is much overhead, they can also be seeing quite a few patients by overseeing what their assistants are doing. Sounds like a winner to me.
Reply:Ewwww.. why wouls you want to work with your face so close to someones mouth.... smelly breath... rotten teeth.... no thanks!
Reply:hey I dont know about the whole orthodontist dentist thing that much. I can say this though!!


practicing with a partner or with out one is only a matter of if you like to work with a partner or not. it is also about cutting costs. if you have two people working you can split the cost of the things you both use!!


I feel that once a person decides to specialize in orthodontistry he just works on that because he is good in that field, and he has enough work as it is. If he doesn't maybe he can do some work in the regular practice as well!!!
Reply:Yes, you can do both.


Any dentist or orthodontist (or dentist doing orthodontics) can be busy...once you build up your reputation and your practice.


Both pay well, again, it just depends on your practice and how "well-oiled" your staff is. You must have a team of assistants that work well with you and together to keep things flowing. Everything from greeting the patients to billing, filing insurance, your hygeinist, ortho assistants....


I strongly suggest taking several Business related courses in college that teach managment.....Because to be successful, you not only have to be able to do dentistry, you also have to know how to run your business...do marketing, etc.





Good Luck and may you have a long and happy career!