Air Force AFSC · Medical
47BX Orthodontist
Overview
Orthodontists diagnose and treat Airmen and their family members who have improper bites or jaw issues. They use orthodontic equipment and techniques to address practical and aesthetic problems and help patients maintain normal function without difficulty or pain.
Core Skills
- clinical diagnostics
- treatment planning
- medical imaging interpretation
- patient education
- infection control
- medical documentation
- interdisciplinary care coordination
- attention to detail
- ethical decision-making
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Office software
- Ada
- Adstra Systems ADSTRA Management
- Advance Ortho Systems Program Director
- Algorithm Compu-Ceph
- American Orthodontics Compu-Ceph
- American Orthodontics Photo-Eze
Civilian Career Paths
- Dental
- Public Health
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- State Dental License (DDS/DMD)
- BLS
Career Growth
- ABO-Board Certified®
Also Common
- Board Certification in Orthodontics (ABO)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
What the Work Involves
- Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
- Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
- Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
- Study diagnostic records, such as medical or dental histories, plaster models of the teeth, photos of a patient's face and teeth, and X-rays, to develop patient treatment plans.
- Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
Related Occupations
- Dentists, General
- Prosthodontists
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: graduate-level education or extensive experience.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
Report an error on this page