We have come to realize that there are a lot of misunderstandings about the difference between a General Dentist and an Orthodontist. Unfortunately there are many general dentists out there that will say that they specialize in Orthodontics. To put it simply, it’s education and experience. All orthodontist complete the same education as a general dentist, attending a 3 to 4 year dental school.
After graduation the dentists may apply to an American Dental Association approved, university-affiliated program. Over 400 dentists apply and less then 7 will be accepted. In San Antonio Texas where Dr. Shao attended the program, only 4 will make it to the orthodontic residence program. In Houston, 6 will make it into the program. The orthodontic Residency program is 2-3 years of hands-on clinical experience. These residencies dedicate between 4,000 to 6,000 hours of working on patients that have various types of cases. When the residents graduates they have earned the well respected title of orthodontist.
Only 25% of Orthodontist decided to take the next rigorous step to be come a board certified orthodontist. This is this is the highest achievement possible.
When you have a choice, choose a board certified specialist!
If you would like to know more about what it means to be a board certified orthodontist and you are near The Woodlands Texas. Please stop in and Dr. Shao would be more than happy to talk with you. If you want to know if the orthodontist you are seeing is board certified check the link below! You deserve a beautiful smile!
https://www.americanboardortho.com/portal/public/
