Navy Officer Subspecialty · Medical
1735 Orthodontics
An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.
Overview
An orthodontist diagnoses irregularities of the teeth, malocclusion, and associated facial abnormalities and provides preventive, interceptive, and corrective treatment. The orthodontist evaluates tooth positioning and facial bone development, designs devices that guide teeth and jaws into position, and addresses masticatory function with mandibular movement.
Core Skills
- orthodontic diagnosis
- malocclusion assessment
- cephalometric analysis
- orthodontic treatment planning
- braces and appliance design
- tooth movement management
- jaw growth guidance
- dental imaging
- occlusion and function analysis
Civilian Software & Tools
- Henry Schein Dentrix
- Advance Ortho Systems Program Director
- Algorithm Compu-Ceph
- American Orthodontics Compu-Ceph
- American Orthodontics Photo-Eze
Civilian Career Paths
- Dental
- Clinical Technician
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
- State Dental License (DDS/DMD)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Career Growth
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Certification in Orthodontics
- American Board of Orthodontics Diplomate Certification
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
- Prosthodontists
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Dental Assistants
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.
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