Orthodontic Assistant

Description:

Orthodontic Assistant

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

Overview

Fisher Orthodontics, a growing orthodontic practice, is seeking a skilled, patient-focused Orthodontic Assistant to join our clinical team. This role is responsible for supporting the orthodontist in delivering high-quality orthodontic care while ensuring efficient clinical operations and an exceptional patient experience.

The ideal candidate is experienced in orthodontic procedures, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and committed to patient education, treatment accuracy, and clinical excellence.

Requirements:

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Assistance • Assist orthodontist chairside during orthodontic procedures, anticipating provider needs and ensuring efficient workflow. • Support bracket placement, wire changes, ligation, debanding, and orthodontic adjustments in accordance with state regulations. • Assist with placement and removal of orthodontic appliances including brackets, archwires, elastics, expanders, and retainers. • Prepare and break down operatories for orthodontic procedures to maintain schedule efficiency. • Ensure all instruments, materials, and equipment are prepared and available prior to patient treatment.

Patient Care & Education • Escort patients to treatment areas and prepare them for orthodontic procedures. • Provide clear instructions on oral hygiene, appliance care, elastic wear, and retainer protocols. • Reinforce treatment expectations, compliance requirements, and post-visit instructions. • Monitor patient comfort and respond to concerns during treatment. • Build rapport with patients and families to support a positive orthodontic experience.

Diagnostics & Imaging • Take and process orthodontic diagnostic records including x-rays, intraoral and extraoral photos, impressions, and digital scans. • Assist with digital scanning workflows and ensure accuracy of orthodontic records. • Maintain organization and availability of patient diagnostic records for provider review.

Clinical Operations & Efficiency • Maintain operatory cleanliness and ensure timely room turnover between patients. • Support clinical team in maintaining patient flow and schedule adherence. • Monitor inventory of orthodontic supplies and notify leadership of replenishment needs. • Ensure compliance with infection control, sterilization, OSHA, and HIPAA standards.

Administrative & Team Support • Accurately document clinical notes and treatment updates within the practice management system. • Collaborate with front office and treatment coordination teams to support patient scheduling and continuity of care. • Participate in team meetings, trainings, and continuing education sessions. • Support additional clinical or operational duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience • High school diploma or equivalent required. • Orthodontic/dental assisting experience preferred, not required.

Licensure / Certification Requirements • Must maintain all licenses and certifications required by applicable state regulations. • X-ray/radiology certification required where applicable by state law, preferred, not required

Technical Skills • Strong knowledge of orthodontic procedures, appliances, and clinical workflows, preferred. Or ability to learn on the go, we offer in-office training. • Experience with digital imaging, scanning technology, and orthodontic software preferred (Cloud 9, WaveOrtho, Ortho2, or similar). • Ability to efficiently assist with orthodontic procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Soft Skills • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. • Ability to multitask and maintain efficiency under pressure. • Positive, team-oriented attitude with strong work ethic. • Commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and service.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

Working Conditions • Clinical orthodontic environment requiring adherence to infection control and safety protocols. • Fast-paced setting with frequent patient interaction and multitasking. • Moderate noise levels from clinical and orthodontic equipment. • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

Physical Requirements • Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the workday. • Frequent bending, reaching, and movement between operatories. • Manual dexterity required for handling orthodontic instruments and materials. • Ability to lift and move supplies and equipment up to 25 pounds.

Patient comfort • Diagnostic imaging equipment • Orthodontic appliances • Customer communication • Oral hygiene • Medical image documentation • Dental office • Patient question and concern management • HIPAA compliance • Part-time • Digital imaging • Dental care patient counseling • Post-session clinical documentation • Preparing dental treatment areas • Image acquisition for patient care • Safety regulations • Service scheduling • Client rapport building • In-person customer service • Practice management software • HIPAA • Assisting medical staff • Mid-level • Personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence • Intraoral cameras • Patient safety • High school diploma or GED • X-Ray Certification • Preparing medical treatment area • One-on-one patient counseling • Intraoral scanners • Sterile processing regulatory compliance • Organizational skills • Dental equipment • Digital dental impression taking • Safety equipment • Healthcare infection prevention and control compliance expertise • Operating medical imaging equipment • Inventory replenishment • Patient escort assistance • Patient treatment • Patient education • Safety standard operating procedures • Managing patient records • Ability to stand for extended periods • Surface decontamination • Communication skills • Technical Proficiency • Radiology Certification • Ability to lift 25 pounds • Under 1 year • Office record organization