Most people want to keep their teeth looking decent. Therefore, they go to a dentist, and sometimes an orthodontist. The two occupations are similar and different in job description, their typical routine at work, the skills needed to be successful in that area, the schooling needed, the hours that they work, and what they earn annually. The job description for a dentist and orthodontist are quite different. Dentists typically examine the dental and oral hygiene of patients, and either offer advice, or carry out surgeries (Dentist: Job Description). Orthodontists examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. They also design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function…show more content… For a dentist, this consists of conducting routine periodic teeth cleaning, checkups, x-ray reviews, instructing on how to care for teeth, removing problem teeth, fill cavities, repairing cracked and broken teeth, and making models for dentures. They provide services relating to tooth decay, root canals, gum disease, crowns, bridges, veneers, and teeth whitening (Burk & Flinn Orthodontics, P.A.) For an orthodontist, their daily routine is quite different. They have to use tools such as braces, retainers, and headgear. With these tools, they have to treat underbites, overbites, excessive space, crowding, and misaligned teeth (Burk & Flinn Orthodontics, P.A.). With all the differences, they both deal with gums and teeth during their work…show more content… To become a dentist or an orthodontist, one must earn at least a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college. After that, you have to be accepted into dental school, which is a four year school. In addition to that schooling, an inspiring orthodontist must take two extra years of school at a residency in orthodontics (General Dentists Vs. Orthodontists). Although, the extra years of school pay off if you are looking for higher pay. A dentist is the sixth highest paying profession in the United States, and have an average salary of $161,750 a year. An orthodontist on the other hand, are the third highest paying professions in the United States, making an average of $204,670 a year. The two jobs are similar in the fact that incoming dentists and orthodontists accumulate approximately forty hours per week, and they both are one of the highest paying professions in the United States (General Dentists Vs.