For a 35 hour workweek orthodontists earn a median 350 000 a year according to the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics General dentists meanwhile earn about half as much working 39 hours a week on average in a much dirtier job The difference in their training isn t like that of a heart surgeon vs a family practice doctor It s a mere two years and a vastly rewarding investment if you re among the chosen U S dental schools have long been criticized for keeping orthodontists in artificially low supply to keep their income up This isn t brain surgery Orthodontists simply manipulate teeth in a growing child s mouth and often leave adjustment work to assistants whose handiwork they merely sign off on