Achieving certification as an orthodontist requires a specialized degree in biology. To earn this degree, students must take a variety of courses in mathematics, science, and biology. Mathematics classes may include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Science courses may include biology, anatomy, physiology, anthropology, zoology, botany, and microbiology.
A master's degree in orthodontics usually requires more than one college level biology course. In addition to taking biology classes while earning their undergraduate degree, potential orthodontists must also take classes as part of a DDS or DMD graduate program. These courses will include a practical laboratory component. For example, the University of San Francisco School of Dentistry requires at least one year of university-level general biology (or zoology) studies with a laboratory. The University of California School of Dentistry suggests taking classes in microbiology and human anatomy.
