Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the importance of orthodontic and dental assistants is on a steady rise.

Healthcare progresses with every step, and with it, the demand for skilled professionals who can assist, support, and guarantee the smooth running of dental procedures intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an orthodontic and dental assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of orthodontic and dental assistance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable orthodontic and dental assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Orthodontic and Dental Assistants provide essential support to dentists and orthodontists, performing a wide array of tasks from patient care to administrative duties.

This role requires individuals to be knowledgeable about dental procedures, tools, and patient management.

Orthodontic and Dental Assistants have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures
• Set up dental equipment and prepare the treatment room for patients
• Take dental radiographs (x-rays)
• Ensure patients are comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment
• Provide patients with instructions for oral care following surgery or other dental treatment procedures
• Teach patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health
• Perform office management tasks that often require the use of a computer
• Communicate with patients and suppliers, scheduling appointments, managing supplies, and billing patients
• Help with infection control by sterilizing and disinfecting instruments, setting up instrument trays, and preparing materials
• Maintain dental equipment and report any malfunctions

 

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Orthodontic and Dental Assistant to join our dental team.

The ideal candidate will have experience with dental and orthodontic procedures, and be dedicated to providing exceptional patient care.

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant responsibilities include assisting dentists in managing medical and dental emergencies, maintaining dental equipment, preparing patients for treatments and ensuring the comfort of patients during dental procedures.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist during dental and orthodontic procedures
• Prepare patients for treatments or check-ups ensuring their comfort
• Select and set up instruments, equipment and material needed
• Sterilize instruments according to regulations
• Assist in updating and maintaining client dental records
• Perform dental X-rays and process X-ray film as directed by the dentist
• Provide postoperative instructions as directed by the dentist
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment in accordance with regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as dental assistant
• Knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods
• Understanding of health & safety regulations
• Ability to perform regulated non-surgical tasks like coronal polishing is a plus
• Good computer skills
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Attention to detail
• Well-organized and reliable
• High school diploma; graduating from dental assistant school is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Orthodontic and Dental Assistant
• Work Environment: Dental Office setting. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Dentist or Dental Office Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $28,000 minimum to $44,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Do?

Orthodontic and Dental Assistants are essential team members in dental and orthodontic practices.

They primarily assist the Orthodontist or Dentist in providing care for patients.

Their duties can include preparing the patient for treatment, setting up dental equipment, sterilizing dental instruments, and aiding the Dentist or Orthodontist during procedures.

They often provide patients with oral hygiene instructions as directed by the Orthodontist or Dentist, like how to brush and floss with braces.

Orthodontic and Dental Assistants may also take dental radiographs (x-rays), make impressions of patients’ teeth, and complete lab tasks under the direction of the Orthodontist or Dentist.

They handle administrative tasks as well, such as scheduling appointments, maintaining patient records, and managing billing and payments.

In their role, they are responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work area that meets both safety and infection control standards.

Their role is crucial in helping patients feel comfortable before, during, and after dental treatment, and they often act as a bridge between the patient and the dentist or orthodontist.

 

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Orthodontic and Dental Assistant should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Detail-oriented and possessing excellent organizational skills for keeping patient records, scheduling appointments, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, explaining procedures, and calming patients’ fears and anxieties.
• Understanding of dental and orthodontic terminology and procedures to assist dentists and orthodontists efficiently and effectively.
• Technical skills and knowledge of dental instruments and sterilization methods to prepare treatment rooms and assist with procedures.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods, bend, and lift heavy supplies or equipment.
• Ability to work well within a team, collaborating with dentists, orthodontists, and other dental staff to provide excellent patient care.
• Problem-solving skills for handling patient issues, equipment malfunctions, and scheduling conflicts.
• Customer service skills to provide a pleasant experience for all patients, handle patient complaints, and follow up on patient care.

 

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Experience Requirements

Orthodontic and Dental Assistants generally complete a dental assisting program at a community college or technical school, where they gain a substantial amount of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Entry-level candidates may have completed internships or externships at dental offices as part of their training programs.

These roles offer important practical experience in patient care, taking dental x-rays, managing records, and performing administrative tasks.

It is common for these candidates to have around 1 to 2 years of experience.

Candidates with around 3 years of experience will have further developed their skills, often specializing in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry.

They might also have pursued further certifications, such as the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) designation or the Certified Orthodontic Assistant (COA) designation.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have moved into senior or lead dental assistant roles, where they take on additional responsibilities such as training and supervising new assistants, managing supplies, or coordinating patient scheduling.

They may also have experience with more complex procedures and have gained additional certifications.

Ultimately, the experience requirements for Orthodontic and Dental Assistants can vary based on the complexity of the role and the specific needs of the dental office or clinic.

 

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Orthodontic and Dental Assistants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many dental assistants learn their skills on the job, however, an increasing number of states are requiring dental assistants to complete an accredited dental assisting program and pass a state exam.

These programs are often found in community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, universities, or dental schools and usually take about 1 year to complete.

They include classroom, laboratory, and preclinical instruction in dental assisting skills and related theory.

In addition, dental assistants must be CPR certified and, in some states, they may need to complete additional certifications, such as radiology certification, which allows them to take x-rays.

Orthodontic Assistants, a specialized type of dental assistant, often need further training or experience in orthodontic procedures and treatments.

This could be achieved through an orthodontic assisting training program, or through on-the-job training in an orthodontic practice.

Some dental assistants also choose to become Certified Dental Assistants (CDA) which involves passing an exam after they have met certain experience or education requirements.

Having certification or extensive experience can indicate a candidate’s dedication to their profession and can offer greater job opportunities.

 

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Salary Expectations

An Orthodontic and Dental Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $40,080 (USD) per year.

The salary may differ based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, and the location of the workplace.

 

Orthodontic and Dental Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Orthodontic and Dental Assistant need?

Orthodontic and Dental Assistants need strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and the dental team.

They should have excellent attention to detail and manual dexterity to handle dental instruments.

Organizational skills are also essential as they are often responsible for scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and maintaining inventory of dental supplies.

 

Do Orthodontic and Dental Assistants need a degree?

While a degree is not mandatory, most Orthodontic and Dental Assistants have completed a dental assisting program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes, or universities.

Following program completion, they can pursue certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to enhance their credentials.

 

What should you look for in an Orthodontic and Dental Assistant’s resume?

The most important thing to look for in an Orthodontic and Dental Assistant’s resume is their educational background and any certifications they may have.

Experience in a dental office is highly desirable.

Check for skills such as patient care, dental procedure preparation, equipment sterilization, and knowledge of dental software.

 

What qualities make a good Orthodontic and Dental Assistant?

A good Orthodontic and Dental Assistant has a calm and reassuring demeanor to comfort patients who may be anxious about dental procedures.

They are detail-oriented, ensuring that all dental instruments are properly sterilized and prepared for each procedure.

Good Orthodontic and Dental Assistants are also organized, managing appointment scheduling, and patient record updates efficiently.

 

What are the daily duties of an Orthodontic and Dental Assistant?

An Orthodontic and Dental Assistant’s daily duties include preparing patients for dental procedures, assisting the dentist during procedures, sterilizing and preparing instruments, taking dental radiographs, scheduling appointments, and updating patient records.

They may also be responsible for educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled what it truly entails to be an Orthodontic and Dental Assistant.

Guess what?

It’s not just about cleaning teeth.

It’s about creating confident smiles, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive Orthodontic and Dental Assistant job description template and practical examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s create those confident smiles. Together.

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