Orthodontic Dental Assistant

The Orthodontic Assistant prepares treatment rooms, provides support to patients and assists the orthodontist with a variety of treatment procedures, including infant orthopedics, interceptive orthodontic treatment, comprehensive orthodontic treatment and combined surgical orthodontic treatment. The Orthodontic Assistant also assists in dental emergencies that occur in the Dental Clinic, Emergency Department (ED), Operating Room (OR) and Procedure Suite (PC).

Additional Information
Location/Dept: HP Orthodontics
Job Details: 1.0 FTE; 40 hours/week - eligible for benefits
Shift: Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM
Duties & Responsibilities
Prepares treatment room for patient by following the day sheet treatment plan. Sterilizes and prepares instruments, equipment and materials at the chair-side for orthodontist’s access.

Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer's instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment inventories and completing training on new equipment.

Prepares patient for treatment by welcoming, comforting, seating and draping patients. Examines patient and checks for loose or broken appliances prior to procedure. Provides oral maintenance and home care education to patient and family.

Properly reviews patient’s history and medical records prior to patient visit and provides orthodontist with a brief. Informs orthodontist of any broken appliances prior to procedure.

Responsible for proper documentation of patient visit as appropriate. Updates patient health history, patient chart and other patient documentation. Takes properly formatted photographs and radiographs and enters into patient’s record.

Assists the orthodontist during treatment. Performs pediatric prophylaxis. Places and removes orthodontic separators. Properly prepares teeth for orthodontic procedures, such as bonding and banding. Changes and ligates archwires with elastomers or steel ligatures. Properly fits and cements orthodontic bands. Tries in and adjusts fixed and removable orthodontic appliances as directed. Places surgical archwires and hooks. Removes fixed and removable orthodontic appliances as directed. Takes impressions and occlusal registrations for study models and working models. Pours and trims study models.

Administrative support, including monitoring dental supply inventory and orders supplies.

Monitors lab cases and insures proper cleaning/organization of lab as necessary in preparation the next patient.

Assesses and directs parents/patients regarding orthodontic emergencies, as appropriate. Assists in dental emergencies that occur in the clinic by preparing the treatment room, and ensuring accessibility of instruments, equipment and materials during procedures. Anticipates instruments needed by orthodontist throughout the procedure and ensures timely access of instruments.

Complies with OSHA regulations, infection control protocols, CHCO patient safety policies, Joint Commission regulations, National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG), and QSRS filing
Minimum Qualifications
Degrees: High School diploma or GED
Graduation from an accredited Dental Assistant certification program.

Experience
Required: Two (2) years of experience as an Orthodontic Assistant.

Licenses & Certifications
Basic Life Support
Salary Information
Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience. Hourly Range: $21.35 to $32.03
Pay: $21.35 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
403(b)
403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Family leave
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Loan forgiveness
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Paid training
Parental leave
Pet insurance
Referral program
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Wellness program
Application Question(s):
Have you completed an accredited Dental Assistant Program?

Education:
High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
Orthodontic Assistant: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
BLS Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person