What is an Orthodontic Assistant Job?
An orthodontic assistant job is a profession in the dental field that involves helping orthodontists with various tasks related to patient care. Orthodontic assistants work under the supervision of orthodontists and are responsible for providing support with various dental procedures, such as taking X-rays, preparing braces, and assisting with patient care.
What Usually Do in this Position?
Orthodontic assistants perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient medical history, preparing and sterilizing instruments, taking X-rays, and assisting with dental procedures. They also instruct patients on proper oral health care and provide them with information on how to care for dental appliances such as braces.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Proficient in basic computer skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Good manual dexterity
How to Become this Type of Specialist
To become an orthodontic assistant, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a dental assistant program. Most programs take between nine and eleven months to complete. Additionally, some states require orthodontic assistants to have certification, which can be obtained through the Dental Assisting National Board.
Average Salary
The average salary for an orthodontic assistant in the United States is $37,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and level of education.
Roles and Types
There are various roles and types of orthodontic assistants, including clinical orthodontic assistants, administrative orthodontic assistants, and orthodontic laboratory technicians. Clinical orthodontic assistants work directly with patients, while administrative orthodontic assistants perform office duties such as scheduling appointments and managing payment records. Orthodontic laboratory technicians create dental appliances such as braces.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
The states with the highest employment levels for orthodontic assistants in the United States are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. However, job opportunities for orthodontic assistants can be found in nearly every state.
What are the Typical Tools
Orthodontic assistants use a variety of tools in their work, including dental mirrors, X-ray equipment, dental drills, and dental braces. They also use computer software to manage patient records and schedule appointments.
In Conclusion
Orthodontic assistant jobs are an essential part of the dental field, and they require a unique set of skills. These professionals work closely with orthodontists and provide support in various aspects of patient care. Becoming an orthodontic assistant requires completing a dental assistant program, and certification may be required in some states. With the growing demand for dental services, job opportunities for orthodontic assistants are expected to increase in the coming years.