# What Is an Orthodontist? How They Differ From Your Regular Dentist Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online Author: Virtual Consultant Online Published: 2026-08-16 Updated: 0001-01-01 Canonical URL: https://virtualconsultant.online/blog/what-is-an-orthodontist-uk Citation metadata: https://virtualconsultant.online/citation.json?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirtualconsultant.online%2Fblog%2Fwhat-is-an-orthodontist-uk 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. ## What Does an Orthodontist Do? 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: Assessing and diagnosing malocclusions (bad bites) — overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and deep bites Treating crowded, widely spaced, or rotated teeth Fitting and managing fixed braces, clear aligners, removable appliances, and functional appliances Treating complex bite problems that require coordination with jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) Managing orthodontic treatment in children, adolescents, and adults — including cases complicated by missing teeth, retained baby teeth, or previous dental history Prescribing and supervising retention after active treatment 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. ## How Orthodontists Train in the UK 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 Covers all areas of dentistry including basic orthodontics Foundation year 1 year of supervised general dental practice Required before applying for specialist training Orthodontic specialty training 3-year full-time accredited programme (NHS or academic) Includes clinical training, research, and examinations Leads to a Masters in Clinical Dentistry (MClinDent) or equivalent Fellowship examination Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth RCS) from Royal College of Surgeons On passing, eligible to apply for the GDC Specialist Register 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 → ## Orthodontist vs Dentist: The Key Differences Both orthodontists and general dentists are GDC-registered dental professionals. The differences are in their training depth and scope of practice: 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? 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: Any case involving significant bite correction (overbite, underbite, crossbite) Cases requiring tooth extraction as part of treatment Children and teenagers whose jaws are still developing Adults with previous orthodontic treatment that has relapsed Anyone with missing teeth, implants, or significant restorative dental history Cases where you want a second opinion before committing to a treatment plan 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. Start Your Free Assessment → ## FAQs ### What is an orthodontist and what do they do? An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed at least three years of additional postgraduate training in orthodontics after their dental degree, and who is registered on the GDC Specialist Register for Orthodontics. Orthodontists specialise in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and bite problems — including crowded or widely spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites — using fixed braces, clear aligners, removable appliances, and functional appliances. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists do not typically provide fillings, root canals, or other general dental care. ### What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist? A dentist is a general dental practitioner registered with the GDC who provides a wide range of dental care including check-ups, fillings, crowns, and basic teeth straightening. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional three-year accredited specialty training programme in orthodontics and holds a recognised postgraduate qualification (such as the MOrth RCS). Orthodontists are registered on the GDC Specialist Register for Orthodontics, which dentists who have only completed short courses in aligners are not. For complex orthodontic cases — bite correction, extractions, teenage treatment, surgical cases — a specialist orthodontist has significantly more training and clinical experience than a general dentist. ### How do I know if my orthodontist is a specialist? You can verify any orthodontist’s specialist status by searching their name on the GDC’s public register at gdc-uk.org. A specialist orthodontist’s entry will show “Specialist” and list orthodontics as their registered specialty. If the register shows only “Dentist”, they are not a GDC specialist orthodontist, regardless of what their marketing materials say. Titles like “orthodontic practitioner”, “aligner specialist”, or “Invisalign provider” do not indicate GDC specialist status. ### Do I need to see a specialist orthodontist or can my dentist do my braces? For mild, straightforward alignment cases — a few slightly crowded front teeth or minor spacing — a general dentist with appropriate training and experience in aligner systems may be able to provide a satisfactory result. However, for more complex cases involving bite correction, extractions, teenage development, or previous dental history, a GDC-registered specialist orthodontist is strongly recommended. Specialist orthodontists have several years of additional training in complex orthodontic cases and are best placed to identify the full scope of your treatment needs before starting. ### What is an orthodontist and what do they do? An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed at least three years of additional postgraduate training in orthodontics after their dental degree, and who is registered on the GDC Specialist Register for Orthodontics. Orthodontists specialise in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and bite problems — including crowded or widely spaced teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites — using fixed braces, clear aligners, removable appliances, and functional appliances. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists do not typically provide fillings, root canals, or other general dental care. ### What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist? A dentist is a general dental practitioner registered with the GDC who provides a wide range of dental care including check-ups, fillings, crowns, and basic teeth straightening. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional three-year accredited specialty training programme in orthodontics and holds a recognised postgraduate qualification (such as the MOrth RCS). Orthodontists are registered on the GDC Specialist Register for Orthodontics, which dentists who have only completed short courses in aligners are not. For complex orthodontic cases — bite correction, extractions, teenage treatment, surgical cases — a specialist orthodontist has significantly more training and clinical experience than a general dentist. ### How do I know if my orthodontist is a specialist? You can verify any orthodontist’s specialist status by searching their name on the GDC’s public register at gdc-uk.org. A specialist orthodontist’s entry will show “Specialist” and list orthodontics as their registered specialty. If the register shows only “Dentist”, they are not a GDC specialist orthodontist, regardless of what their marketing materials say. Titles like “orthodontic practitioner”, “aligner specialist”, or “Invisalign provider” do not indicate GDC specialist status. ### Do I need to see a specialist orthodontist or can my dentist do my braces? For mild, straightforward alignment cases — a few slightly crowded front teeth or minor spacing — a general dentist with appropriate training and experience in aligner systems may be able to provide a satisfactory result. However, for more complex cases involving bite correction, extractions, teenage development, or previous dental history, a GDC-registered specialist orthodontist is strongly recommended. Specialist orthodontists have several years of additional training in complex orthodontic cases and are best placed to identify the full scope of your treatment needs before starting. ## References - GDC — Specialist Register: orthodontics (https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/your-registration/specialist-lists) - 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. - British Orthodontic Society — What is an orthodontist? (https://www.bos.org.uk/patients/what-is-orthodontics/what-is-an-orthodontist) - BOS 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. - Royal College of Surgeons — Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth RCS) (https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental-faculties/fds/examinations-and-training/membership-in-orthodontics/) - 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. - GDC — Specialist Register: orthodontics (https://www.gdc-uk.org/registration/your-registration/specialist-lists) - 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. - British Orthodontic Society — What is an orthodontist? (https://www.bos.org.uk/patients/what-is-orthodontics/what-is-an-orthodontist) - BOS 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. - Royal College of Surgeons — Membership in Orthodontics (MOrth RCS) (https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/dental-faculties/fds/examinations-and-training/membership-in-orthodontics/) - 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.