Training Pathways in Orthodontics
This statement has been prepared by the British Orthodontic Society to provide clarity on training pathways in orthodontics and postgraduate courses.
- Specialty training
The term Specialist in Orthodontics/ Orthodontist is reserved for those individuals registered on the GDC specialist list in orthodontics.
To become a registered specialist in orthodontics in the UK, it is necessary for a GDC-registered dentist to complete a 3-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) approved specialty training programme, in a recognised UK training post with a National Training Number (NTN). Recruitment to specialty training takes place each year through a national competitive process, using the Oriel system www.oriel.nhs.uk. Following successful completion of training, individuals are recommended for the award of a Certificate of completion of specialist training (CCST). They can then apply to the GDC for entry onto the specialist list in orthodontics and will be eligible to practice as a specialist orthodontist in primary care.
Some individuals choose to complete a further 2 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-certification training programme, following which they are eligible to work as a consultant orthodontist in a secondary or tertiary care setting.
- Equivalence
Those who are registered as a dentist with the GDC and have completed training or gained qualifications in orthodontics outside the UK may apply to join the GDC specialist list in orthodontics. Those who believe they have gained the skills and knowledge required to work as a specialist orthodontist through other means may also apply to join the specialist list.
Guidance on the application process can be found on the GDC website www.gdc-uk.org.
- Postgraduate courses in orthodontics
There are a huge number of postgraduate courses in orthodontics available for those with an interest in this area. Individuals who undertake a postgraduate course in orthodontics will gain more knowledge about the speciality and, depending on the course, may also develop their clinical skills in orthodontics. Postgraduate courses do not lead to specialist registration with the GDC.