Orthodontic Assistant

The Ortho Assistant will work closely with orthodontists to provide assistance during dental procedures, prepare treatment rooms, and ensure the comfort of patients. This role involves taking on tasks such as sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and providing post-operative instructions to patients.

Responsibilities:

• 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 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 treatment.
• 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.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Lift and move equipment as needed.
• Manual dexterity for handling instruments and tools.

Work Environment:

• The Ortho Assistant will primarily work in a dental office setting, interacting with patients, orthodontists, and other dental staff.
• They may also be exposed to radiation from X-ray machines, so adherence to safety protocols is essential.