An orthodontist is a “specialist” in the treatment of orthodontics. He or she has attended a 2 or 3-year graduate orthodontic program AFTER dental school and obtained another degree. General dentists are legally allowed to do orthodontic treatment, but they do not have the extra formal training that an orthodontist has. By definition, the term “orthodontist” means the doctor has completed certified training in the field of orthodontics.