How can I become an orthodontist?

There are a number of stages to becoming an orthodontist.

Obtain good A level grades, generally ABB or higher in order to secure a place at university to study dentistry (in Scotland this will be ABBBB or higher). Due to the competitive nature it is becoming more common to spend time doing an initial degree before embarking on the dental degree.
It usually takes 5 years to become a dentist and obtain a degree in dentistry (the Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS degree).
After qualifying, work as a dentist and gain experience in all fields of dentistry.
Apply for a place on an orthodontic training scheme. This training takes a further 3 years of study and consists of both academic training. At the end of this, if you are successful in the Membership in Orthodontics examination (MOrth) you will become a specialist orthodontist. Trainees usually also study for a higher degree, such as a Master of Science (MSc), Master of Clinical Dentistry in Orthodontics (MClinDent) or Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS).