Orthodontic Assistant / RDA

Description:

Orthodontic Assistant / RDA

Position Type: Full-Time | Work Location: In-Person

Overview

Segal and Iyer Orthodontics, a growing orthodontic practice, is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented, and patient-focused Registered Dental Assistant to join our clinical team. In this role, you will support the orthodontist in delivering high-quality patient care while ensuring efficient clinical workflow throughout the treatment process.

The ideal candidate is passionate about patient comfort and education, possesses strong technical skills, and thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented clinical environment.

Requirements:

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Assistance • Prepare treatment chairs, instruments, materials, and equipment prior to patient appointments. • Assist orthodontist chairside during orthodontic procedures by anticipating provider needs and ensuring efficient workflow. • Provide suction, instrument transfer, and direct support during patient treatment. • Assist with placement and removal of orthodontic appliances under provider supervision and within state guidelines. • Support orthodontist during bonding, debanding, wire changes, bracket placement, adjustments, and appliance delivery.

Patient Care • Escort patients to treatment areas and prepare them for procedures. • Ensure patient comfort throughout appointments and monitor for signs of discomfort or concern. • Address patient and parent/guardian questions with professionalism and empathy. • Provide patient education regarding oral hygiene, appliance care, retainer instructions, and treatment expectations. • Reinforce post-treatment and home care instructions.

Radiography & Diagnostics • Take and process dental radiographs, photographs, digital scans, and impressions as required. • Ensure diagnostic records are complete and available for provider review. • Adhere to all radiographic safety protocols and standards.

Infection Control & Clinical Maintenance • Follow all sterilization, infection control, and OSHA safety protocols. • Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked operatories and sterilization areas. • Assist with operatory turnover between patients to maintain schedule efficiency. • Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs appropriately.

Administrative Support • Maintain accurate patient clinical records and charting within the practice management system. • Document treatment notes and patient progress accurately and timely. • Coordinate with front office team to support patient scheduling and flow. • Attend team meetings, trainings, and continuing education sessions as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience • High school diploma or equivalent required. • Graduation from an accredited dental assisting program required. • Minimum 1–2 years of orthodontic, dental assisting, or clinical dental experience preferred.

Licensure / Certification Requirements • Active Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification/licensure required in accordance with applicable state regulations. • Must maintain all licenses, certifications, and continuing education requirements necessary to remain in good standing within the applicable state of employment. • Current radiology certification required if applicable by state law. • Current BLS/CPR certification required.

Technical Skills • Proficiency in radiography and digital imaging techniques. • Familiarity with orthodontic instruments, appliances, and materials preferred. • Experience with orthodontic/dental software preferred (Cloud 9, Dolphin, Ortho2, Dentrix, Eaglesoft, or similar).

Soft Skills • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. • Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment. • Positive attitude and team-oriented mindset. • Commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Working Conditions • This role is based in a clinical setting requiring maintenance of a sterile and organized environment. • Typically full-time hours. • Moderate noise levels from dental and orthodontic equipment.

Physical Requirements • Must be able to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours). • Must have ability to lift and maneuver supplies weighing up to 35 pounds. • Must possess proficient hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. • Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, and movement throughout clinical areas.

Radiation safety procedures • Patient comfort • Diagnostic imaging equipment • Orthodontic appliances • CPR Certification • Customer communication • Patient progress tracking • Patient scheduling systems • Dental office • Patient question and concern management • Maintaining an organized workspace • Digital imaging • Dental care patient counseling • Post-session clinical documentation • Preparing dental treatment areas • Medical procedure assistance • Safety regulations • BLS Certification • In-person customer service • Practice management software • Assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures • Full-time • Assisting medical staff • Patient safety • Healthcare infection prevention and control expertise • Medical scheduling • High school diploma or GED • Preparing medical treatment area • One-on-one patient counseling • Disinfection procedures • Records management • Registered Dental Assistant • Dentrix • Eaglesoft • Organizational skills • Dental equipment • Cleaning • Digital dental impression taking • Surgical suction device handling • Operating medical imaging equipment • Patient progress monitoring • Inventory replenishment • Dental Assisting • Patient escort assistance • Medical post-procedure instructions • Patient education • Safety standard operating procedures • Managing patient records • Oral hygiene assistance • Radiology • Ability to stand for extended periods • Communication skills • Technical Proficiency • Radiology Certification • Entry level • Surgical instrument sterilization and handling