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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Orthodontic Centers
of America, Inc. for the registration of 2,460,745 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference of our report dated April 12, 2001, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Orthodontic
Centers of America, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K), as amended
by Form 10-K/A, for the year ended December 31, 2000.


                                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


New Orleans, Louisiana
August 2, 2001