Career in Orthodontic Assisting
Smiles change lives, and the orthodontic field is full of opportunities just for you. What could be more personally and professionally satisfying than being a member of a special team that produces better oral health, enhances self-esteem and creates beautiful smiles…every day?
In addition to the financial rewards that come with a career in orthodontics…one of the benefits of becoming an orthodontic assistant is the ability to balance your professional and personal life (molding it to fit your lifestyle), as many practices offer the flexibility of part-time and on-call positions in addition to full-time work. Mary Carter, Director of the Orthodontic Assistant School of Atlanta says, "It's so rewarding to see someone's smile change before your eyes and the patients' personalities change too. Many times their self-confidence is boosted immediately after the braces are placed on the teeth!"
What is Orthodontics?
Within the dental profession, orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialty training to align the jaws and straighten the teeth. Orthodontists deliver lifelong benefits to their patients…the kind of benefits that can improve physical and emotional health problems in later in life.
It Takes A Team
The team leader is the orthodontist, but the successful orthodontic practice depends on a variety of other professional and clerical staff members, such as:
- Orthodontic Chairside Assistant / Clinical Coordinator
- Orthodontic Laboratory Technician
- Administrative Positions; including front office, treatment and financial planners
Any way you go, orthodontics puts you on a career path that provides the satisfaction of helping patients improve their smiles, their dental health and their self-esteem. "It's a positive, upbeat career that lets you deal with generally healthy, motivated people who are on the road to better lives," adds Carter.
What Does It Take To Join The Team?
The various positions on the orthodontic team require different levels of education and experience. Here are a few examples of the type of work, education and skills for various positions:
Orthodontic Chairside Assistant
Typical Responsibilities: assists the orthodontist with treatment, takes x-rays/records, educates the patient about oral health and overall health, serves as a key communications link between the patient and the doctor, prepares teeth for the placement of brackets, helps to shape orthodontic wires, and instructs the patient. Orthodontic Chairside Assistants play key roles in motivating the patients to do their part in achieving the best results from their treatment.
Orthodontic Laboratory Technician
Typical Responsibilities: prepares orthodontic study models, makes orthodontic retainers, designs appliances for tooth and bone movement, and coordinates office needs with outside labs. The technician may also work with the orthodontist to develop skills for making new appliances.
Orthodontic Administrative Position
Typical Responsibilities: schedules appointments; performs clerical and bookkeeping duties; prepares financial arrangements; communicates with patients, dentists, other dental specialists and doctors; provides customer service relations, and marketing.
All Positions Require: high school diploma, customer service skills, computer skills (important in many practices for inputting patient records, computer imaging, etc). Chairside Assistant must also have excellent hand-eye coordination skills.
Do You Have What It Takes?
Becoming a member of the orthodontic team requires a unique combination of skills, a steadfast commitment to long-term goals and a desire to excel. All positions require individuals who thrive on creativity and challenge…and who are patient. If you like to help people and if you would enjoy the respect that comes with being a member of a highly regarded healthcare profession that has the capacity to change people's lives, then consider a career in orthodontics.
The great thing about Orthodontic Assisting is that in a short period of time you can attend classes while you work as schools offer two main formats…Saturday only classes with hands-on training in an orthodontic practice and an on-line option. So, you can choose which format works best for you and which school is recognized as a leader in the field. Most importantly, you will build a career with employable skills that you can take with you, should you ever move to a new community.
Creating smiles really can change lives!
Editorial provided by the American Association of Orthodontists is provided by Dena O. Risher, Director of Marketing for the Orthodontic Assistant School of Atlanta.
