REFERRALSWhat is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Orthodontists specialise in straightening teeth and aligning the jaws, as well as creating a smile that is harmonious with your facial anatomy. They have the expert knowledge of all new and emerging technologies and techniques needed to manage the complex process of creating beautiful, functional smiles.
Requirements to become an orthodontist:
- Complete a university degree in general dentistry four or five years.
- Have the equivalent of at least two years clinical experience as a general dentist.
- Complete an accredited, three year, full-time university degree in orthodontics.
- Be registered as a specialist in orthodontics.
| Feature | Specialist Orthodontist |
|---|---|
| University Education | 5 years (Dentistry) + 3 years full-time Masters in Orthodontics |
| Total University Training | 8+ years of full-time university education |
| Registration | Registered as a Specialist Orthodontist with the Dental Board of Australia |
| Primary Focus | Exclusively diagnosing and treating misalignment of the teeth and jaws |
| Orthodontic Treatments | Comprehensive treatment with braces, Invisalign®, LightForce™, and specialist appliances |
| Professional Membership | Member of the Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) |
| Invisalign® Experience | Blue Diamond status (Hunters Hill Orthodontics) — highest tier in NSW |
| Feature | General Dentist |
|---|---|
| University Education | 5 years (Dentistry) |
| Total University Training | 5 years of full-time university education |
| Registration | Registered as a General Dentist |
| Primary Focus | Overall oral health, including fillings, crowns, and preventive care |
| Orthodontic Treatments | Some may offer limited orthodontic options but are not registered specialists |
| Professional Membership | Member of the Australian Dental Association (ADA) |
| Invisalign® Experience | May have completed short courses; not a specialist qualification |
The rigorous path to becoming a specialist orthodontist
Becoming a Specialist Orthodontist in Australia is an exceptionally demanding journey that extends well beyond a general dental degree. The pathway requires a minimum of eight years of full-time university study, followed by ongoing professional development throughout a career.
Complete a Dental Degree: First, an individual must complete a five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery to qualify as a general dentist.
Gain Clinical Experience:Following graduation, they must gain a minimum of two years of practical clinical experience working as a general dentist.
Complete a Masters in Orthodontics: The final and most intensive step is completing a three-year, full-time Master of Dental Science in Orthodontics at an accredited Australian university. This highly competitive programme focuses exclusively on the complex science of facial growth, biomechanics, and tooth movement.
Achieve Specialist Registration: Only after successfully completing this pathway can a practitioner apply for registration as a Specialist Orthodontist with the Dental Board of Australia.
Dr. Teriko Rex and Dr. Darin Ballard have both completed this rigorous specialist training pathway at the University of Sydney, and continue to advance their knowledge through ongoing education and international teaching commitments.
Why choose a specialist orthodontist?
While some general dentists offer orthodontic services such as Invisalign® or ‘short-term’ braces, it is crucial to understand that orthodontics is not their primary area of expertise. A general dentist may complete short courses on these techniques, but this cannot compare to the thousands of hours of specialist university training and the hundreds of complex cases that a Specialist Orthodontist manages each year.
Choosing a registered Specialist Orthodontist ensures you receive a comprehensive diagnosis that considers not just your teeth, but your entire facial structure, jaw alignment, and growth patterns. It means access to the full range of treatment options, managed with the precision and safety that only comes from specialist expertise. Most importantly, it means a result that is not only beautiful, but genuinely healthy and stable for the rest of your life. Attempting to correct a poorly managed orthodontic treatment can be complex, time-consuming, and costly — choosing a specialist from the outset is always the right decision.
At Hunters Hill Orthodontics, you are in the most experienced specialist hands in Sydney. Your smile is too important to compromise.
Book a Consultation
Trust your smile to a specialist
Book a consultation with Dr Teriko Rex or Dr Darin Ballard — both registered Specialist Orthodontists with decades of combined specialist experience. We'll walk through your smile goals, treatment options, and a transparent payment plan in one comprehensive appointment.
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Visit Us
Our team in Hunters Hill is here to help you book an appointment or answer any questions you may have.
58 - 60 Gladesville Rd
Hunters Hill NSW 2110
info@huntershillorthodontics.com.au
Opening Times
- Monday - Thursday
- 8:30am - 5:30pm
If visiting the practice without an appointment, please call ahead.
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