Orthodontists' bills are paid directly by patients or by their insurance companies. An orthodontist with an established practice can generate a great deal of money, but half or more of that money could go to pay for equipment, staff salaries, insurance, and other overhead costs.

Orthodontists who own their own practices must also pay for their own health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits.

Even after these costs are taken into account, however, orthodontists have very good earnings. While precise figures are not available for Canadian orthodontists, most earn between $100,000 and $400,000 a year. However, remember that it takes many years of study and practice to make it to this level of income.

LEVEL 1 Entry-Level General Dentist EARNINGS $50,000 to $100,000 a year REQUIREMENTS • Bachelor of Science degree
• Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, which takes 4 years RESPONSIBILITIES Doing routine check-ups on patients; educating patients about proper dental hygiene; filling cavities and performing other basic dental procedures. LEVEL 2 Entry-Level Orthodontist EARNINGS $100,000 to $150,000 a year REQUIREMENTS • Master of Science degree in orthodontics, which takes 2 to 3 years
• Licensed to practice as an orthodontist RESPONSIBILITIESExamining patients; analyzing facial photographs; deciding upon the best treatment; fitting braces, retainers, and other devices; LEVEL 3 Established Orthodontist EARNINGS $150,000 to $400,000 a year REQUIREMENTS • 5 to 10 years in practice
• A good reputation within the dental community because referrals from family dentists are important RESPONSIBILITIESExamining patients; analyzing x-rays and facial photographs; deciding upon the best treatment; fitting braces, retainers, and other devices; supervising junior orthodontists; supervising staff; possibly teaching orthodontic students at university.

ANSWER 3

High school you should take lots of biology and chemistry

You will need a 4 year degree, and also continued education into a dental program. This field takes time and dedication, so be confident in your decision

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for dentists.

All 50 States and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license in most States, candidates must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations.

Education and training. In 2008, there were 57 dental schools in the United States accredited by the American Dental Association's (ADA's) Commission on Dental Accreditation. Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of college-level predental education prior to admittance. Most dental students have at least a bachelor's degree before entering dental school, although a few applicants are accepted to dental school after 2 or 3 years of college and complete their bachelor's degree while attending dental school. According to the ADA, 85 percent of dental students had a bachelor's degree prior to beginning their dental program in the 2006-07 academic year.

High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics. College undergraduates planning on applying to dental school are required to take many science courses. Because of this, some choose a major in a science, such as biology or chemistry, whereas others take the required science coursework while pursuing a major in another subject.

All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). When selecting students, schools consider scores earned on the DAT, applicants' grade point averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews. Competition for admission to dental school is keen.

Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in science, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, are also completed. During the last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists. Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Others award an equivalent degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Licensure. Licensing is required to practice as a dentist. In most States, licensure requires passing written and practical examinations in addition to having a degree from an accredited dental school. Candidates may fulfill the written part of the State licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Individual States or regional testing agencies administer the written or practical examinations.

Individuals can be licensed to practice any of the 9 recognized specialties in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. Requirements include 2 to 4 years of postgraduate education and, in some cases, the completion of a special State examination. A postgraduate residency term also may be required, usually lasting up to 2 years. Most State licenses permit dentists to engage in both general and specialized practice.

Other qualifications. Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists should have good visual memory; excellent judgment regarding space, shape, and color; a high degree of manual dexterity; and scientific ability. Good business sense, self-discipline, and good communication skills are helpful for success in private practice.

Advancement. Dentists and aspiring dentists who want to teach or conduct research full time usually spend an additional 2 to 5 years in advanced dental training, in programs operated by dental schools or hospitals. Many private practitioners also teach part time, including supervising students in dental school clinics.

Some dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for 1 to 2 years to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one immediately after graduation.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.