Federation of
Dental Specialists
of Quebec
Orthodontics
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a highly qualified expert who specializes in aligning the teeth and jaws of children, teenagers and adults.
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dentofacial anomalies often called malocclusions. Dentofacial harmony is achieved through the use of orthopedic appliances that align the teeth, jaws and soft tissues. Practicing orthodontics requires advanced training and skills such as those needed to plan, fabricate, place and control these appliances appropriately.
How does someone become an orthodontist?
In order to become a certified orthodontist, a qualified dentist must complete a two- to three-year full-time orthodontic residency program recognized by the Ordre des dentistes du Québec and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (the competent authorities).
This post-graduate program, which leads to a certificate or a master’s degree in orthodontics, must also be recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. The commission reviews programs on a seven-year cycle. Its accreditation indicates that a given program meets all of the requirements for specialty training in the field of orthodontics.
Only dentists who have enrolled in, and successfully completed, this academic program may call themselves orthodontists.