How Long Does It Take to Become a Board-Certified Orthodontist in New York?
Ever wonder what it takes to become the expert behind the braces? In New York, the path to becoming a board-certified orthodontist is long, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. If you're curious about how much time (and education) it takes, here's your step-by-step guide.
🎓 Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Like most states, New York requires aspiring orthodontists to start with an undergraduate degree. Most students choose a science-related major like biology or chemistry to fulfill dental school prerequisites.
⏱ Time: 4 years
🦷 Step 2: Complete Dental School (4 years)
Next, you must attend a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental school to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). This is where you learn general dentistry through lectures, labs, and hands-on clinical experience.
In New York, graduates must pass:
The National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) Part I & II or INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination)
A clinical licensing exam, such as the ADEX exam
A New York State law exam
🧠 Once you pass these, you can apply for a New York dental license.
⏱ Time: 4 years
😬 Step 3: Complete an Orthodontic Residency Program (2–3 years)
After dental school, you’ll need to apply for and be accepted into a CODA-accredited orthodontic residency program, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years. These programs focus specifically on the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws.
📍 New York has top-notch programs, including:
NYU College of Dentistry
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
⏱ Time: 2–3 years
🏅 Step 4: Become Board-Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (Optional)
While not required to practice, becoming board-certified shows that an orthodontist has gone above and beyond. Certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) involves:
A written exam
Presentation of treated patient cases
A clinical skills assessment
This process can be started during residency or shortly after.
⏱ Time: ~1–2 years (can overlap with residency)
📍 New York State Requirements to Practice as an Orthodontist
To legally practice orthodontics in New York, you must:
Hold a valid New York State dental license
Complete a 1-year postdoctoral clinical residency (if not already covered in ortho residency)
Register with the New York State Education Department (NYSED)
✅ Total Time to Become a Board-Certified Orthodontist in New York: ~10–11 years
🗽 Final Thoughts
Becoming a board-certified orthodontist in New York isn’t quick — it takes a decade (or more) of study, exams, and specialized training. Although Dr. Shauna has gone through all the education, training, and board-certifications, she is continuously learning and keeping up with new trends, practices, and technologies. Although the path is long, it’s also one of the most fulfilling careers out there. From giving people more confidence to improving oral health, orthodontists make a lasting impact every day.
So the next time you sit in that ortho chair, you’ll know just how much training went into crafting your perfect smile!