Overview:
Job Summary:
The Orthodontic Dental Assistant assists the orthodontist during patient examinations and procedures, prepares treatment rooms, educates patients on oral hygiene and appliance care, and maintains accurate patient records. This role requires excellent communication, organizational skills, and the ability to provide compassionate patient care in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare treatment rooms and sterilize instruments according to infection control protocols.
- Assist the orthodontist during examinations and procedures.
- Take digital X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions or digital scans.
- Place and remove orthodontic appliances as directed by the orthodontist.
- Change archwires, ligatures, and orthodontic elastics under supervision, where permitted by state regulations.
- Provide patients with instructions on caring for braces, aligners, retainers, and oral hygiene.
- Schedule appointments and maintain accurate patient records.
- Monitor inventory and order orthodontic supplies as needed.
- Ensure patient comfort before, during, and after treatment.
- Follow OSHA, HIPAA, and infection control guidelines.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Dental Assistant certification (as required by state law).
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Orthodontic assisting experience preferred but not always required.
- Knowledge of dental terminology, instruments, and infection control procedures.
- Experience with digital imaging and dental practice management software is a plus.
Skills & Abilities:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Team-oriented with a positive attitude.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Compassionate and professional patient care.