How to Become an Orthodontist in Auckland: A Step-by-Step Guide
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How to Become an Orthodontist in Auckland: A Step-by-Step Guide

By October 21, 2024 No Comments

Becoming an orthodontist in Auckland is a challenging but rewarding career path that requires extensive education and training. Orthodontists are specialised dental professionals who diagnose and treat misalignments of the teeth and jaw, helping people achieve straighter smiles and improved oral health.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in orthodontics, here’s a detailed guide on what it takes to become an orthodontist in Auckland, New Zealand.

1. Complete a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

The first step to becoming an orthodontist is earning a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. This undergraduate programme is designed to give you a solid foundation in dental science, clinical skills, and patient care. In New Zealand, the University of Otago is the only institution that offers this degree, and it takes five years of full-time study to complete.

During the BDS programme, students learn about anatomy, physiology, and oral health, alongside clinical training. By the time you graduate, you will have developed the necessary skills to practice as a general dentist. Admission to the BDS programme is competitive, requiring strong academic performance, particularly in science subjects.

2. Register as a Dentist

After earning your Bachelor of Dental Surgery, you must register with the Dental Council of New Zealand to legally practise as a general dentist. The registration process includes passing the required exams and submitting documentation of your qualifications.

Once registered, you are authorised to work as a dentist, where you’ll provide routine dental care such as fillings, extractions, and oral health assessments. This practical experience is invaluable for those aspiring to specialise in orthodontics.

3. Gain Experience as a General Dentist

Before you can specialise, it’s recommended to work as a general dentist for a few years. This hands-on experience helps you hone your skills in patient care and develop a deep understanding of dental treatments, making you better prepared for your orthodontic training.

Many orthodontic programmes require applicants to have a few years of dental practice under their belt. This experience not only builds your practical expertise but also enhances your competitiveness when applying for postgraduate study.

4. Complete a Postgraduate Orthodontics Programme

To become an orthodontist, you’ll need to pursue further education through a specialised postgraduate programme. The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) in Orthodontics at the University of Otago is a three-year, full-time course that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.

Entry into this programme is highly competitive, with only a limited number of spots available each year. Applicants must have a strong academic record, excellent clinical skills, and relevant work experience. The programme covers orthodontic techniques, biomechanics, growth and development of the face and jaws, and patient care through clinical practice.

5. Register as a Specialist Orthodontist

Upon completing the postgraduate programme, you will need to register as a specialist orthodontist with the Dental Council of New Zealand. This step is crucial to legally practising orthodontics. You’ll need to provide proof of your qualifications, specialist training, and potentially pass an additional examination to confirm your competency as a specialist.

Once registered, you’ll officially hold the title of orthodontist and can begin practising in this specialised field.

6. Engage in Continuing Professional Development

The field of orthodontics is constantly evolving with new techniques and technologies. To maintain your registration and provide the best possible care for your patients, you’ll need to participate in continuing professional development (CPD). CPD activities include attending workshops, conferences, and courses to stay updated on the latest advancements in orthodontics.

This ongoing education ensures that your skills remain sharp and allows you to offer cutting-edge treatments and solutions to your patients.

Explore Emerging Technologies in Orthodontics

As the field of orthodontics continues to evolve, new technologies are reshaping how specialists approach treatment and patient care. In Auckland, as well as globally, innovative tools such as clear aligners, digital orthodontics, and 3D scanning are rapidly gaining popularity.

  • Clear Aligners: Clear aligners, like Invisalign, offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces. These transparent, removable aligners allow patients to undergo orthodontic treatment with greater comfort and discretion. Orthodontists in Auckland are increasingly incorporating clear aligners into their practice, recognising the growing demand for non-invasive and convenient treatment options.
  • Digital Orthodontics: Digital tools are transforming the way orthodontic treatments are planned and executed. Using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), orthodontists can now create precise models of a patient’s teeth. Digital orthodontics allows for more accurate treatment planning, reducing errors and improving patient outcomes. In Auckland, many practices are embracing these technologies, offering advanced solutions that deliver faster, more efficient results.
  • 3D Scanning and Printing: 3D scanning has become a game-changer in modern orthodontics. By creating digital impressions of a patient’s teeth, orthodontists can design customised appliances with exceptional accuracy. In conjunction with 3D printing, these scans enable the creation of precise models and orthodontic devices, such as retainers or aligners. This approach streamlines the process, making treatments faster and more tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

How New Zealand’s Regulatory Environment is Adapting

The Dental Council of New Zealand ensures that orthodontists stay up to date with these evolving technologies and best practices through continued professional education. The council is actively adapting its guidelines to accommodate these advancements, ensuring that the regulatory environment supports innovation while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

For instance, the council now recognises training programmes that include digital orthodontics and clear aligner therapy, ensuring that future orthodontists are well-versed in the latest treatment options. Additionally, New Zealand’s regulatory framework encourages the adoption of technology that enhances accuracy, patient comfort, and treatment outcomes.

This means that aspiring orthodontists in Auckland will be trained in the use of cutting-edge tools and techniques, preparing them to meet the growing demand for high-tech orthodontic treatments. By incorporating these advancements, orthodontists are providing faster, more efficient, and more comfortable care to their patients.

7. Start Your Practice or Join a Clinic

Once you’ve completed your training and registered as an orthodontist, you can choose to start your own practice or join an established clinic. Many orthodontists prefer the flexibility and independence of private practice, but others may opt to work in hospitals or academic settings, where they can combine clinical work with teaching and research.

Join the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists

Joining the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists (NZAO) is an important step for orthodontists practising in New Zealand. The NZAO is the professional body representing specialist orthodontists, offering members access to resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education to stay current with industry advancements.

Membership in the NZAO not only demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care but also provides orthodontists with a platform to collaborate, share knowledge, and advocate for the profession. By joining the NZAO, orthodontists can contribute to shaping the future of orthodontics in New Zealand while benefiting from the collective expertise and support of their peers.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Orthodontist?

The path to becoming an orthodontist in Auckland takes around 8–11 years, including your undergraduate dental studies, experience as a general dentist, and postgraduate specialist training. While this may seem like a long journey, the result is a fulfilling career where you’ll make a lasting impact on your patients’ lives by improving their smiles and overall oral health.

Conclusion

Becoming an orthodontist in Auckland requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. From completing your dental degree to specialising in orthodontics and adopting cutting-edge technologies like clear aligners and digital orthodontics, each step equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide expert care. As the regulatory environment in New Zealand continues to support technological advancements, aspiring orthodontists will be well-positioned to offer innovative and high-quality treatment options. If you’re passionate about dentistry and helping people achieve healthy, confident smiles, pursuing a career as an orthodontist can be an incredibly rewarding endeavour.

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Dr. Adriana Perez

BDS (Ven/Esp) | MDS-Orth (Arg)
 
Dr. Adriana Perez grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. She is one of the registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland.

 

In 2008, Adriana graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. After graduation, she worked in Venezuela in private practice, at the Orthopaedic Children’s Hospital (Dentistry/Orthodontics unit), and as a lecturer in the National Experimental University of the Armed Forces.

In the year 2011, Adriana moved to Argentina to specialise, gaining the Specialist Orthodontist degree from the University of Buenos Aires in 2013. While in Argentina, she worked as a part-time lecturer at the Orthodontics Department in the University of Buenos Aires, private practice, and at the Craniofacial Unit in the Paediatric Hospital Garrahan, looking after cleft lip new-born, children, and adolescent patients.

Adriana is a Spanish speaker. On her spare time she likes going to the beach, travelling, socialising with friends, playing video games, cooking, and going to the gym.

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Orthodontist Adriana Perez

Dr. Azza Al-Ani

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

Dr Azza Al-Ani, grew up in Christchurch, is a registered specialist orthodontist working at Shakespeare Orthodontics in Auckland. You can find her at one of the clinics in the city, or at their Takapuna clinic on the North Shore. 

In 2009, Azza graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Credit from the University of Otago.

She worked as a dental house surgeon at Auckland, Greenlane and Middlemore Hospitals; and as a dental officer at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.

In 2012, she completed the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) primary examinations.

Before commencing her specialist training, she held a part-time Professional Practice Fellow position at the Faculty of Dentistry, while working as a dentist in private practice.

In 2016, Azza graduated from the University of Otago with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics. She passed examinations to gain memberships into the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

She is also certified with the Australasian Orthodontic Board, and is a member of the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, and the New Zealand Dental Association.

Azza’s area of research interest is hypodontia.
She has presented about this topic at the European Orthodontic Society Congress, and at the International Association Dental Research ANZ Scientific Meeting, and has been involved in the publication of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Outside of work, Azza loves spending time with her son and Mo (her husband), socialising with family and friends, overseas travel, and tries to keep up with Mo mountain biking.

Dr. Mo Al-Dujaili

BDS | DClinDent | MRACDS-Orth | MOrthRCSEd

 

Mo is a Specialist Orthodontist. He grew up in both New Zealand and Australia.

After completing a year in Health Sciences, and later physiotherapy, he qualified as a dentist in New Zealand. He spent the next four years working alongside his father in Sydney where he practised general dentistry. Mo then returned to Dunedin to specialise, gaining his specialist degree – Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics from the University of Otago.

During the three years of specialist training, Mo had the privilege of learning from the best. The combined clinical and academic acumen of professors, doctors and staff provided an invaluable experience.

Meanwhile, Mo published and presented significant research and clinical cases at both national and international forums, including the International Association of Dental Research, the Australasian Begg Society of Orthodontics, the European Orthodontic Society and the New Zealand Dental Association conference.

A firm believer in maintaining high clinical standards, Mo successfully completed further examinations to become affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Sydney).

Mo is currently a part time senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, a Fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists and also holds professional memberships with the New Zealand Association of Orthodontists, the New Zealand Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontists.

He has also been involved in the supervising and lecturing of students at the Auckland University of Technology.

Outside of work, Mo enjoys the precious time with his young family and the outdoors. He especially loves mountain biking, running, fishing, diving and, in winter, snowboarding.

Traveling along with his best friend and wife (Azza) around the world has also been a big part of Mo’s life. Mo is primarily based in Shakespeare Orthodontic’s city clinics and on the North Shore.

 
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