Ortho experience required! Pay is based off experience. Join our amazing team!

Job Summary

The Ortho Assistant is responsible for assisting the Orthodontist in the clinical treatment of patients by providing high quality care. The Ortho Assistant performs many tasks requiring both interpersonal and technical skills. Assists with all general orthodontic treatment and other procedures under the direct supervision of the Orthodontist. Prepares and arranges needed tools and instruments for scheduled procedures. Hands necessary tools and equipment to the Orthodontist and provides assistance during treatment. Ensure operatories and instruments are clean and sterilized between patients including all barriers changed.

Key Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Punctuality, attendance at and performance of the key responsibilities in person at the office on a full-time basis (or as otherwise directed by your supervisor).
• Welcome patients in the dental office, greeting patients in waiting area, escorting patients to the operatory ensuring proper set up procedures.
• Ask about the patient's medical history and taking blood pressure and pulse (per State Board Guidelines), make accurate chart entries and assure thorough completion of forms and signatures.
• Take beginning records – study models, panorex, cephlometric, digital photographs.
• Perform Starts bondings, adjustments, rebond, retainer checks and debands, if allowed per State guidelines.
• Accurate bending /coordinating arch-wires, if allowed per State guidelines.
• Removal of fixed bands/brackets, if allowed per State guidelines.
• Fit headgear and give instructions as allowed per State guidelines.
• Ligature and wire removal and replacement.
• Size, fit, and cement orthodontic bands.
• Take impressions (pouring and trimming models for appliances and presentation).
• Ship/receive/properly store all lab work (retainers, study models, appliances).
• Duplicate records for transfers.
• Properly take quality intra-oral and extra-oral photos.
• Prepare patients for treatments or checkups to ensure their comfort (before, during and after treatment) and answer any questions they have.
• Assist the Orthodontist during a variety of treatment procedures, cure orthodontic brackets after being placed by the Orthodontist.
• Bond composite material to tooth surfaces for Aligners attachments.
• Take PVS impressions/scans and bite registrations for Aligners treatment.
• Conduct post-treatment procedures, as instructed by the Orthodontist.
• Take dental radiographs (x-rays), as needed.
• Serve as an infection control officer, developing infection control protocol and preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment.
• Effectively communicate with patients/parents regarding: POH, rubberband wear, treatment progress, and cooperation.
• Removal and placement of arch wires, tooth preparation prior to bonding.
• Help patients feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatments.
• Stock operatories and maintain clinical supply inventory.
• Maintain a sterile and neat working environment according to current infection control procedures meeting OSHA/WISHA standards.
• Comply with all health & safety regulations and state dental practice requirements.
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following ortho procedures.
• Clean and disinfect between patients and deep clean office and operatories as needed.
• Communicate with patients and suppliers (e.g., scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, billing and ordering supplies).
• Review daily schedule to set up appropriate trays and instruments and monitors patient flow.
• Assist in front office procedures if time allows or need is determined by Team Leader.
• Assist with health fairs, presentations as needed.
• Attend required compliance and team trainings.

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Completion of Certified Dental Assistant program; or a minimum of 6 months of hands-on clinical experience in a dental practice is required.
• A current dental license may be required in certain states.
• Current CPR certification is required.
• Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments and sterilization methods is required.
• Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs is required.
• Excellent communication and people skills with the ability to build rapport with others is required.
• Must be well-organized, detail oriented and reliable.
• Ability to demonstrate high ethical standards is required.
• Additional certification or training is a plus (e.g. X-Ray).

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.