I want to be an orthodontist?

Question

I am still only a junior in high school, but i have a few options. If everything goes perfectly:

1) Go to a 4 year college and graduate in 3 years by taking summer classes. Then apply and get into the UOP 3 year D.D.S program. Then apply and get into UOP 2 1/2 year Orthodontist training.

2) or try to get into UOP's 7 year B.S/D.D.S accelerated program. Then apply and get into the orthodontist training?

I know dental and orthodontist schools are extremely hard to get into. Which option should I take?

Answer 1

Definitely you should follow your heart and what you know you would like to do.  Either of these careers can make you lots of money, but what are you going to be happy doing is what you have to ask yourself.  A specialist (orthodontist) has the potential of making more money in the long run, but a regular dentist will likely have steady work, steady customers that they will see for years to come.