What Is an Orthodontist? Training, Credentials, and Distinctions

“Specialist in orthodontics,” “Master of Science in Orthodontics,” “Dentist with a focus on orthodontics” — on practice signs, these titles sound confusingly similar. In reality, they represent very different qualification pathways: from a multi-year full-time postgraduate training program with an examination before the dental chamber to mere self-designation without any examination. In this article, you’ll learn how to become an orthodontist, what each title means, and how to recognize a certified orthodontic practice.

Quick overview: “Orthodontist” or “specialist in orthodontics” is a protected professional designation. It requires a completed dental degree plus several years of full-time postgraduate training with a final examination before the dental chamber. “M.Sc. in Orthodontics” and “focus on orthodontics,” on the other hand, are additional qualifications or self-designations — not specialist titles.

How do you become an orthodontist?

The path to becoming a specialist in orthodontics is clearly regulated in Germany — through the postgraduate training regulations of the state dental chambers, in three stages:

• Dental degree: five years of university study with state examination and licensure as a dentist.
• Specialist training: a subsequent, minimum three-year postgraduate training program — full-time and only at approved training institutions: in orthodontic practices with training authorization or at university clinics. During this time, everything revolves around orthodontics — from diagnosis to the treatment of complex malocclusions.
• Specialist examination: Only after passing the examination before the dental chamber may the protected professional designation “specialist in orthodontics” — in short: orthodontist — be used.

Orthodontist, M.Sc., or focus area — what do these titles mean?

All three designations indicate that the practitioner works in orthodontics — but the scope of demonstrated qualification differs significantly.

Specialist in orthodontics

At least three years of full-time postgraduate training at approved training institutions, defined curriculum, final examination before the dental chamber. Only this qualification entitles one to use the designation “orthodontist.”

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Orthodontics

A Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Orthodontics is a postgraduate program for licensed dentists that provides theoretical and practical knowledge in orthodontics. However, it does not constitute specialist training and is not equivalent to it, either legally or in terms of scope and training structure. While the M.Sc. is completed alongside professional practice, the advanced training to become a specialist in orthodontics involves several years of full-time clinical training with comprehensive hands-on practice, defined curriculum content, and a final examination before the dental board. The M.Sc. may represent additional professional qualification, but it does not replace the recognized specialist training.

Dentist with a focus on orthodontics

This is a self-designation: the dentist states that they devote particular attention to this area. No prescribed training or examination is required for this designation. This says nothing about personal commitment — but it is important to know that no formally verified qualification stands behind this wording.

Why does the difference matter to you?

Orthodontic treatments are long-term, biologically complex interventions: teeth are moved through bone over months to years, and the temporomandibular joints, growth, and function must all be considered. Planning errors often become apparent only late — and are then difficult to correct. Studies also indicate that treatment quality among specialists is on average higher than among general dentists (Marques et al., 2012). More important than the practice sign is therefore the question: Who is planning and overseeing your treatment — and with what training?

How to verify qualifications: Look for the exact designation “specialist in orthodontics” — not just the word “orthodontics” in the practice name — and feel free to ask directly; a specialist practice will respond openly and transparently. A good additional indicator: scientific activities such as professional publications or lecturing.

What does an orthodontist actually do?

Orthodontics is far more than “straight teeth.” The field includes:

• Diagnostics: Analysis of dental and jaw misalignments, growth assessment, digital 3D diagnostics, and functional analysis.
• Dental and jaw corrections: with fixed and removable appliances as well as nearly invisible aligners — for children and adolescents as well as adults.
• Functional disorders: temporomandibular disorder (TMD), teeth grinding, and temporomandibular joint problems.
• Medical interfaces: such as mandibular advancement devices for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea — in coordination with sleep medicine and ENT.
• Retention: long-term stabilization of treatment results with retainers.

Esthetics is a welcome side effect — the primary focus is the medical question: Does the misalignment affect function, dental health, or breathing? The standard is based on clinical criteria, as also described in the DGKFO guidelines.

When should you see an orthodontist?

For children, an initial orthodontic evaluation during elementary school age is recommended – even if treatment is not (yet) needed. Many malalignments can be guided with simple measures during this growth phase before they become fixed. You can read more in our article When to See an Orthodontist: The Optimal Time to Start Treatment for Children.

For adults: Orthodontic treatment is possible at any age, as long as the teeth and periodontal tissues are healthy — today also with discreet solutions such as clear aligners.

Does health insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

For children and adolescents under 18, coverage by statutory health insurance is based on the orthodontic indication groups (KIG), which classify the severity of a misalignment into five levels. Starting from KIG level 3, the insurance covers contractual services — initially minus a patient contribution of typically 20 percent (10 percent for siblings treated simultaneously), which is fully reimbursed after successful completion of treatment.

For adults, statutory health insurance pays only in exceptional cases: for severe jaw anomalies requiring combined orthognathic surgical and orthodontic treatment. Private health insurance and supplemental dental insurance reimburse part of the costs depending on the policy. Which services go beyond the statutory standard is explained in the article Non-contractual services in orthodontics.

Specialists in orthodontics at JUST KFO in Cologne

At JUST KFO in Cologne-Rodenkirchen, you are treated exclusively by specialists in orthodontics. Our practice owner Dr. Julia Steinmaier is also active as a speaker and author and has published scientifically together with university experts — a selection can be found in our Scientific publications section.

Whether it’s an initial evaluation for your child, aligner treatment in adulthood, or clarification of temporomandibular joint issues: We take time for your questions and provide medically sound and transparent consultation. Feel free to book an appointment — we look forward to seeing you.

Sources:

• Zahnärztekammer Nordrhein: Weiterbildung in den Fachbereichen Kieferorthopädie und Oralchirurgie (Weiterbildungsordnung). Verfügbar unter: https://www.zahnaerztekammernordrhein.de/bereich/zahnaerzte/weiterbildung/
• Verbraucherzentrale (2025): Eigenanteil, Kassenleistung und Zusatzkosten beim Kieferorthopäden. Verfügbar unter: https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/gesundheit-pflege/aerztinnen-und-kliniken/eigenanteil-kassenleistung-und-zusatzkosten-beim-kieferorthopaeden-12836
• Marques, L. S., Freitas Junior, N., Pereira, L. J., & Ramos-Jorge, M. L. (2012). Quality of orthodontic treatment performed by orthodontists and general dentists. The Angle Orthodontist, 82(1), 102–106. https://doi.org/10.2319/061311-389.1
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kieferorthopädie (DGKFO) & Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde (DGZMK): S2k-Leitlinie Ideale Zeitpunkte und Maßnahmen der kieferorthopädischen Diagnostik. AWMF-Registernr. 083-050, Version 1.1 (Juni 2025, gültig bis 01.06.2030). register.awmf.org
• Proffit, W. R., Fields, H. W., Larson, B., & Sarver, D. M. (2018). Contemporary Orthodontics (6th ed.). Elsevier.

Frequently asked questions about orthodontists

Is “orthodontist” a protected professional title?

Yes. “Orthodontist” or “specialist in orthodontics” is a protected specialty designation under the continuing education regulations of the dental associations. It may only be used by those who have completed several years of full-time postgraduate training after dental school and passed the specialist examination.

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

Every orthodontist is also a dentist – but not the other way around. The dentist treats the entire spectrum of dentistry, such as cavities, root canals, or dental prosthetics. The orthodontist has specialized after dental school in the diagnosis and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws through a full-time residency program of at least three years.

Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No. In Germany, patients have free choice of provider – you can book an appointment directly at an orthodontic practice. However, dentists often refer their patients specifically when they notice a misalignment.

What does the first appointment with an orthodontist cost?

That depends on your insurance and the scope of the examination. For children and adolescents with statutory health insurance, the orthodontic examination is part of covered dental care; for adults and for advanced diagnostics, private fees may apply. We inform you transparently about possible costs before any examination.