Orthodontists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dentofacial irregularities. Orthodontists receive advanced academic training. At first, they must complete four or five years of dentistry study at a university recognized by the Canadian Dental Association.
They must then successfully complete a two-to-three-year residency in orthodontics. Their post-graduate studies cover topics such as genetics, embryology, biophysics and the growth and development of the human body. Only dentists who have successfully completed such training can call themselves orthodontists.