Description
The Orthodontic Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the orthodontist and clinical team to ensure efficient, safe, and comfortable patient care. This position involves assisting with orthodontic procedures, managing instruments and equipment, maintaining a clean and organized treatment environment, and delivering exceptional patient service.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assist the orthodontist during treatments, including placing and removing braces, taking impressions, adjusting wires, and applying/removing elastics and other orthodontic appliances
- Ensure patient comfort and respond to patient needs throughout procedures
- Prepare patients for orthodontic treatments, explaining procedures and addressing questions or concerns
- Ensure patients are properly positioned, and instruments and materials are readily available to support efficient treatment
- Sterilize and prepare instruments, equipment, and materials in compliance with infection control protocols
- Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked clinical areas and treatment rooms
- Take diagnostic X-rays, panoramic images, or digital scans as required for treatment planning
- Update and maintain accurate patient records, treatment progress notes, and X-ray results in the practice management system (EHR/PMS)
- Assist with the fitting, adjustment, and removal of orthodontic appliances such as retainers, expanders, and braces
- Provide post-treatment instructions, including retainer care and the importance of follow-up visits
- Educate patients on the proper care of braces, wires, and orthodontic appliances to ensure optimal results
- Monitor inventory of orthodontic supplies and materials, reordering as needed to maintain adequate stock
- Support a positive and professional patient experience
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of an accredited orthodontic assisting program preferred
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience as an orthodontic assistant or dental assistant, preferably with orthodontic focus
- Knowledge of orthodontic procedures, appliances, and terminology
- Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, and the orthodontic team
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations
- Team members are expected to uphold the culture outlined in the SDB Handbook, with a focus on our core values and any additional responsibilities as defined
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of an accredited orthodontic assisting program
- Minimum 1-2 years experience as an orthodontic or dental assistant (orthodontic focus preferred)
- Knowledge of orthodontic procedures, appliances, and terminology
- Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and team members
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations
- Uphold clinic culture and core values as outlined in the SDB Handbook
What We Do
TN Specialty Dental Services, PLLC, operating under Specialty Dental Brands, provides specialized pediatric dental care for infants, children, and teens, as well as oral and maxillofacial surgery. They aim to make oral healthcare easier, more accessible, and enjoyable for dental specialists and their communities.
