Orthodontist
What does an Orthodontist do?
Orthodontists specialise in the diagnosis, prevention and correction of teeth and jaw irregularities. One of their primary job functions is to design, fabricate or use orthodontic appliances to realign teeth and jaws in order to allow for normal functioning and to improve appearance.
Orthodontists are trained in creating a healthy bite, developing proper alignment, understanding the size and position of the upper and lower jaws, and identifying how teeth are set within them. An orthodontist will also work with a general dentist to determine if a patient's gums and teeth are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment.
What qualifications do I need?
According to the South African Society of Orthodontists, it can take 10 or more years of education after high school to graduate as an orthodontist. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from a dental school, the future orthodontist must be accepted as a student in an accredited orthodontic programme. This is where you will learn the skills required to manage tooth movement (Orthodontics) and guide facial development (Dento Facial Orthopaedics). In South Africa, an orthodontic specialist must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a specialist orthodontist.
What subjects do I need?
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
English
Life Sciences
Where can I study?
University of Pretoria
MChD Orthodontics
University of the Western Cape
MChD Orthodontics
Wits University
MChD Orthodontics
Where can I get more info?
South African Society of Orthodontists - www.saso.co.za
Interview with an Orthodontist
Dr Keitumetse Taunyane | ORTHODONTIST | Hugo Orthodontics
Why did you choose this profession?
I wanted to make people smile. Since the age of eight, braces have fascinated me. I wondered how these colourful things ‘straighten’ teeth. As I grew older, I noticed how self-conscious people were about their crooked teeth and I knew I wanted to help them. At age 15, during a “future career project”, I decided on orthodontics and worked hard towards that.
What it is that you do
I apply braces or aligners to teeth to move them into more ideal positions, helping to correct the aesthetic, health and function of teeth and jaws.
What training did you undergo and where?
Five years: Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) 2013 at University of Limpopo (MEDUNSA campus) – now Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences. Four years: Master of Dentistry in Orthodontics 2020 at University of Witwatersrand.
Typical day on the job
08h20-12h00: work on new patient reports, remove braces for completed cases, apply braces on new patients, check-ups and case discussions. 14h00-16h40: check-ups. Throughout the day I work on admin: digital work ups for aligners, replying to patient emails and WhatsApp texts.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The joy and confidence patients express when their teeth straighten. I genuinely get to make people smile!
What don’t you like?
Rude patients/parents and non-compliant patients (e.g. not brushing teeth, not wearing elastics). When patients want to dictate their treatment.
Highlight of your career?
Becoming the youngest orthodontist in South Africa at age 30 in 2020.
Hurdles you’ve had to overcome?
Although both degrees were very challenging, the cherry on top was trying to finish and submit my research, prepare portfolio cases and write final exams during the Covid lockdown. Currently, being undermined for looking/being young!
Experience vs formal training?
During the 4-6 years of specialisation, you receive both didactic and practical training. The more patients you treat, the more experienced you become and even develop your own style of treatment.
Personality or traits best suited to this work?
Someone who loves problem-solving and has an eye for detail. Being decisive and remaining calm helps too.
Advice to someone starting out?
The work can be challenging and frustrating, but it can also be incredibly beautiful. With passion and dexterity, you can succeed.
Your job in three words
Wires, braces, elastics
Interview date: May 2024