Orthodontists
SOC Code: 29-1023
Orthodontists carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk) and +4.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 5,900 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 24% AI exposure, Orthodontists sits 13 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 13% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Orthodontists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Orthodontists has ai exposure of 24%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Orthodontists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Orthodontists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Orthodontists (SOC 29-1023) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 5,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Orthodontists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Diagnose teeth and jaw or other dental-facial abnormalities.
- 2. Examine patients to assess abnormalities of jaw development, tooth position, and other dental-facial structures.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Fit dental appliances in patients' mouths to alter the position and relationship of teeth and jaws or to realign teeth.
- 5. Adjust dental appliances to produce and maintain normal function.
- 6. Provide patients with proposed treatment plans and cost estimates.
- 7. Advise patients to comply with treatment plans.
- 8. Prepare diagnostic and treatment records.
- 9. Instruct dental officers and technical assistants in orthodontic procedures and techniques.
- 10. Coordinate orthodontic services with other dental and medical services.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Biology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Orthodontists?
Orthodontists has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Orthodontists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Orthodontists is projected to grow by 4.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 5,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Orthodontists?
Key skills for Orthodontists include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Orthodontists earn?
Wage data for Orthodontists varies by region, experience, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median wage estimates in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Orthodontists?
The typical entry-level education for Orthodontists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Orthodontists?
Orthodontists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).