Orthodontic Dental Assistant

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Orthodontic Assistant to join our fast-paced dental team. In this role, you will work chairside with our orthodontist to provide high-quality care to patients undergoing corrective treatments like braces and aligners. Your primary goals are to maintain an efficient workflow, ensure strict sterilization protocols, and create a comfortable environment for patients of all ages.

Core Responsibilities

Clinical Support & Chairside Assistance

• Assist the orthodontist during examinations, adjustments, and appliance placements.
• Prepare and transition treatment rooms between patients using proper sanitization methods.
• Perform routine adjustments under supervision, including changing archwires, brackets, and ligatures.
• Take accurate diagnostic dental X-rays, intraoral photographs, and 3D digital scans or physical impressions.

Patient Care & Education

• Prepare patients for treatment and walk them through their scheduled procedures to reduce anxiety.
• Educate patients and parents on proper oral hygiene, dietary restrictions, and appliance maintenance.
• Provide clear post-treatment instructions and troubleshoot minor discomfort issues.

Sterilization & Office Flow

• Clean, sterilize, and organize specialized orthodontic instruments according to OSHA and CDC guidelines.
• Maintain accurate, real-time patient charts, electronic health records, and treatment notes.
• Monitor and stock clinical inventory, ensuring brackets, wires, and bands are readily available.
• Assist the front desk with occasional scheduling, patient check-ins, or emergency calls when needed.

Skills and Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; completion of an accredited dental assisting program is highly preferred.
• Certifications: Active State Dental Assistant license, X-ray/Radiography certification, and CPR/BLS certification are required. An Orthodontic Assistant permit (OA) is a major plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working specifically in an orthodontic practice environment is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with digital scanning technology (such as iTero), digital X-ray software, and practice management programs (like Dolphin or Dentrix).
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication skills with a gentle, patient-focused demeanor, especially when interacting with children and teenagers.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, bend, and sit chairside for long periods in a fast-paced environment.

Work Location: In person