You have probably heard the word “orthodontist” before, but many people are not entirely sure how an orthodontist differs from a regular dentist — or why it matters which one treats their teeth. The short answer is that an orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed at minimum three additional years of postgraduate training specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and jaw discrepancies. Not all dentists who offer teeth straightening are orthodontists, and understanding the difference can significantly affect the quality of care you receive. This guide explains what an orthodontist is, how orthodontists train in the UK, the specific things orthodontists can do that general dentists cannot, and how to find a qualified orthodontic specialist. Key takeaway In the UK, a specialist orthodontist must be registered on the GDC Specialist Register for Orthodontics — a separate register from the general dentist register. To be on the Specialist Register, they must have completed an accredited three-year full-time orthodontic specialty training programme (or equivalent) and passed the Royal College of Surgeons Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth RCS) examination. A general dentist who offers teeth straightening is not an orthodontist unless they hold a recognised orthodontic specialty qualification and are on the Specialist Register. You can verify any orthodontist’s specialist status on the GDC website. Orthodontists specialise in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities — specifically problems with the alignment of teeth, the relationship of the upper and lower jaws, and how they affect the bite, appearance, and function of the mouth. An orthodontist’s core work involves: What orthodontists typically do not do is general dental care — fillings, crowns, root canals, tooth extractions (other than those specifically related to orthodontic treatment), hygiene appointments, or emergency dental work. These remain with your regular dentist during your orthodontic treatment. The training pathway to become a specialist orthodontist in the UK is: Undergraduate dental degree 5-year BDS or equivalent — the same foundation as all dentists Foundation year 1 year of supervised general dental practice Orthodontic specialty training 3-year full-time accredited programme (NHS or academic) Fellowship examination Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth RCS) from Royal College of Surgeons From starting dental school to becoming a registered specialist, the total training time is typically nine to ten years. This depth of training is what distinguishes an orthodontist from a general dentist who has completed a short course in aligner treatment. 9–10 years Total training time to become a registered specialist orthodontist in the UK — from dental school to the Specialist Register GDC Register The public tool to verify that your orthodontist is on the Specialist Register for Orthodontics — free to check at gdc-uk.org MOrth RCS The key qualification after specialist training — Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons Get a specialist opinion on your teeth without leaving the house A virtual assessment from a GDC-registered specialist orthodontist gives you expert input on your specific situation and what treatment might involve — before you commit to an in-person consultation. Start your free virtual assessment → Both orthodontists and general dentists are GDC-registered dental professionals. The differences are in their training depth and scope of practice: For mild, straightforward alignment cases — a few slightly crooked front teeth, minor spacing — a general dentist with appropriate training and experience in aligner systems may be able to provide a satisfactory result. For anything more complex, a specialist orthodontist is strongly advisable: How to verify a specialist orthodontist To confirm that an orthodontist in the UK is a genuine GDC-registered specialist, search their name on the GDC’s public register at gdc-uk.org. A specialist orthodontist’s entry will show “Specialist” and include orthodontics in their registered specialist list. If their entry only shows “Dentist”, they are not a GDC specialist — regardless of what their website or advertising says. Titles like “orthodontic practitioner” or “Invisalign provider” do not indicate specialist status. Get a Specialist View of Your Smile Our virtual assessments are reviewed by GDC-registered specialist orthodontists — so you get genuine specialist input on your situation, not a sales call. Find out what treatment could do for your teeth, and what it would involve, before committing to anything.What Does an Orthodontist Do?
How Orthodontists Train in the UK
Orthodontist vs Dentist: The Key Differences
General dentist
Specialist orthodontist
Training
5-year dental degree
5-year degree + 3-year orthodontic specialty programme + MOrth RCS
GDC register
General dental register
General register + Specialist Register for Orthodontics
Can do simple teeth straightening
Yes (with additional training)
Yes
Can treat complex bite problems
Limited — usually refers complex cases
Yes — full range of cases including surgical
Can do NHS orthodontic treatment
Only if contracted for NHS ortho
Yes (many specialists have NHS contracts)
Fills teeth, does root canals
Yes — this is their main scope
No — you continue to see your dentist for general care
Should I See an Orthodontist or a Dentist for Teeth Straightening?
What Is an Orthodontist? How They Differ From Your Regular Dentist
Published · 6 min read · by Virtual Consultant Online
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References
GDC guidance on the Specialist Register for Orthodontics, covering the qualifications required for specialist registration, how the public can use the GDC register to verify a practitioner’s specialist status, and the distinction between a specialist orthodontist and a general dentist offering orthodontic treatment.
GDC — Specialist Register: orthodonticsBOS patient information on the role and qualifications of a specialist orthodontist in the UK, including the training pathway from dental degree to specialist registration, the scope of practice of a specialist compared to a general dentist, and guidance for patients on how to find and verify a specialist orthodontist.
British Orthodontic Society — What is an orthodontist?Royal College of Surgeons information on the Membership in Orthodontics examination, including the assessment components, the competencies tested, the eligibility requirements for candidates completing orthodontic specialty training, and the role of the MOrth RCS as a prerequisite for GDC Specialist Register entry.
Royal College of Surgeons — Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth RCS)GDC guidance on the Specialist Register for Orthodontics, covering the qualifications required for specialist registration, how the public can use the GDC register to verify a practitioner’s specialist status, and the distinction between a specialist orthodontist and a general dentist offering orthodontic treatment.
GDC — Specialist Register: orthodonticsBOS patient information on the role and qualifications of a specialist orthodontist in the UK, including the training pathway from dental degree to specialist registration, the scope of practice of a specialist compared to a general dentist, and guidance for patients on how to find and verify a specialist orthodontist.
British Orthodontic Society — What is an orthodontist?Royal College of Surgeons information on the Membership in Orthodontics examination, including the assessment components, the competencies tested, the eligibility requirements for candidates completing orthodontic specialty training, and the role of the MOrth RCS as a prerequisite for GDC Specialist Register entry.
Royal College of Surgeons — Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth RCS)