Orthodontists
SOC Code: 29-1023 Job Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed
Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Orthodontists. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $196,102 | $289,723 | $383,344 | $476,965 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $144,248 | $235,997 | $327,766 | $419,515 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $144,144 | $235,477 | $326,789 | $418,122 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $133,370 | $227,115 | $320,861 | $414,606 |
| Bloomington, IL | $179,920 | $257,442 | $334,963 | $412,485 |
| Springfield, IL | $179,920 | $257,442 | $334,963 | $412,485 |
| Decatur, IL | $179,920 | $257,442 | $334,963 | $412,485 |
| Peoria, IL | $179,920 | $257,442 | $334,963 | $412,485 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $135,970 | $212,389 | $288,808 | $365,227 |
| Ames, IA | $135,970 | $212,389 | $288,808 | $365,227 |
H-1B Filing Data
Top H-1B Employers
| Employer | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Smile Doctors of Michigan, PC | 1 | $442,000 |
Filing Trend
| Year | Filings | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | $442,000 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Monitoring | 4.0 | |
| Critical Thinking | 4.0 | |
| Speaking | 4.0 | |
| Active Listening | 4.0 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 4.0 | |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.9 | |
| Coordination | 3.9 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 | |
| Active Learning | 3.8 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.8 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Medicine and Dentistry | 5.0 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.2 |
| English Language | 3.7 |
| Biology | 3.7 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.3 |
| Mathematics | 3.2 |
| Administration and Management | 3.2 |
| Education and Training | 3.1 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| Other | 68.9% |
| Post-first professional | 12.1% |
| Some college | 7.7% |
| First professional degree (MD, JD) | 7.1% |
| Bachelor's degree | 2.7% |
| High school diploma | 1.5% |
Typical Tasks
- Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
- Study diagnostic records, such as medical or dental histories, plaster models of the teeth, photos of a patient's face and teeth, and X-rays, to develop patient treatment plans.
- Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
- Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
- Prepare diagnostic and treatment records.
- Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
- Provide patients with proposed treatment plans and cost estimates.
- Instruct dental officers and technical assistants in orthodontic procedures and techniques.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
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