What is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists like Dr. Noorda and Dr. Okuda obtain their bachelor’s degree and then receive their doctorate degree from dental school. After dental school, they complete two to three years of additional training in an orthodontic residency program. In addition to becoming certified specialists in orthodontics, Dr. Okuda and Dr. Noorda also simultaneously earned their master’s degree during their postdoctoral training. This means that after high school, orthodontists go to school for another 10 to 11 years in order to learn the intricacies of treating malocclusions.

Dr. Noorda is a board-certified orthodontist and Dr. Okuda is working towards his board certification. This is the highest certification in the field. It requires voluntarily doing hundreds of extra hours of preparation to demonstrate that they have the skill, knowledge and judgment to provide patients with the top-notch care.

Orthodontics goes way beyond simply handing you aligners or sticking braces on your teeth. It’s about shifting the teeth in a way that creates stable, healthy occlusion (how the upper and lower teeth meet) and designing a smile that complements your unique facial features. In fact, orthodontic treatment can permanently change your teeth and facial structure. That’s why it’s in your best interest to see a certified specialist in orthodontics for treatment. Dr. Noorda and Dr. Okuda have undergone extensive training to be able to give you exceptional results that can last a lifetime and improve your oral health.