Why do dentists have the license to do orthodontic treatment? They're not specialized like Orthodontists!?

I had braces twice. The first time i got them from a dentist when i was 15, who fooled me into getting them from him and totally messed my teeth. I had to get braces again at age 20, and this time, i went to an Orthodontist. Since i had braces previously, the result of my teeth wasn't as great, but a lot better. I spent a lot of money (10 grand in total) and looking back, i wonder why the heck the government allows dentists, who know very little about braces, to do orthodontic treatment? It's like my family physician doing a heart surgery. It's very frustrating!

Why do dentists have the license to do orthodontic treatment? They're not specialized like Orthodontists!?
that's a good question.


apparently, h'm 15 and i have a dentist that's going into braces stuff but, i didn't go to him to get my braces. my mom wants me to go to a experience orthodontist that can correct my teeth.
Reply:Some dentists go through an extra two years of training to be able to practice orthodontists. I'm sure they're good at it, but not as good as orthodontists. I'm getting braces through my dentist. No complaints so far.





Just because your dentist wasn't good at braces, doesn't mean others aren't as well.
Reply:In my state a general dentist can indeed do ortho treatment, however they can't advertise or say they are a specialist in ortho as this is illegal. Most dental programs that I know of cover braces, but if the dentist wants to specialize in orthodontics and advertise that they are an orthodontist than they have to complete two additional years of specialized training after their dental school years.