In addition to completing a graduate program in dentistry, an orthodontist is a dentist who has also completed an accredited orthodontic residency program for an additional 3 years with over 4000 hours of specialty training, specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Furthermore, to gain licensure as a specialist, an orthodontist must meet the highest level of qualifications, including the successful completion of specialty examinations administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Not only is an orthodontist highly specialized in improving your smile and tooth-related malalignment, they are also trained in diagnosing and treating disturbances in jaw growth and facilitating proper development.